Chris Baker looks at this week’s movers and shakers
Lynda Rees
Luton Community Housing, formerly Luton Churches, has appointed Lynda Rees chief executive. Lynda has been working as acting chief executive and hopes to develop LCH’s role in the Luton and south Bedfordshire areas.

David Levenson
David Levenson is the new group finance director at London-based Genesis Housing Group. David joins from bank HSBC where he was director of operations for a residential property fund. Before that, he was finance director at Ealing Family Housing Association and a housing consultant.

Action Housing team
Action Housing Association has recruited a team to help deliver projects in Chesterfield and north-east Derbyshire. David Swindlehurst joins as senior supported housing officer and the team manager of Sheffield’s Phoenix House Family Centre. Deborah Kinsella becomes Action’s senior substance misuse worker. Marie Gabbitas joins as substance misuse worker. Angela Shepherd and Rebecca Reynolds will be supported housing officers.

Sarah Bailey
Housebuilder Laing Homes has appointed the first female managing director in the firm’s 150-year history. She is Sarah Bailey, who joined Laing as sales and marketing director in 1999.

Colin Mackenzie
Aberdeenshire council has appointed Colin Mackenzie as its new director of housing and social work. Before being appointed to the full-time housing and social work post he was acting director on a job-share basis with Margaret Wells, who has left the council to work with the NHS in Edinburgh.

Personal details

Name
Martin Kelly
New job
Chief executive of the B&N Group
Old job
Deputy chief executive of the B&N Group
Favourite film
“As Good as it Gets, starring Jack Nicholson.”
Favourite TV programme
“There are two I can’t decide between: One Foot in the Grave and Frasier.”
Favourite book
“Toddler Training by Dr Christopher Green. It’s my Bible – I have a two-and-a-half year old.”
Who is your role model?
“Sir Terence Conran. To remain at the top of your chosen field for almost 50 years and still remain passionate and ‘current’ makes Conran worthy of respect.”
If you were housing minister, what would you do to improve the housing situation in the UK?
“I feel that much more research urgently needs to be carried out on the emerging links between the quality of housing and the environment and their effect on the economic, health and social fabric of our communities. Evidence supporting the positive role that good housing can play in everyone’s life – from increased productivity at work to a reduction in healthcare expenditure – will ensure that housing moves up the political agenda and is given the resources it urgently requires and deserves.”
Any career tips for graduates or newcomers?
“Be aware that housing can no longer be considered in isolation from other social and economic factors. Be prepared to look ‘outside the box’ and, above all, be receptive to innovative solutions.”
Any advice or tips?
“Ask whether it is you who should change before asking for change from others.”

Source

Housing Today