NHF appoints David Orr as chief executive

He will replace Jim Coulter, who is to step down after 17 years in the role on 1 July.

Orr, 49, joined the SFHA in 1990. He was previously chief executive of Newlon Housing Group and spent nine years as coordinator of homelessness charity Centrepoint.

Orr declined to reveal his plans for the NHF, and said he would not make any “bold statements” about policy.

He said: “I’m delighted and really excited, I’m a great admirer of Jim Coulter and I hope I will be as effective as he has been.

“Housing Associations face huge challenges in the rapidly changing policy and political environment. The NHF can assist them by being an effective voice in negotiations with government and in helping to create the conditions that will allow their work to flourish.

“From a political context, it will be less frenetic in July when I take over and I will be able to get to know the organisation and the members better – it will help me to be a more effective advocate of what housing associations do.”

Richard Clark, National Housing Federation Chair, said Orr would have the job of improving the NHF’s relationship with the government and its agencies.

He said: “David Orr has operated at the highest level in government and political relations, has managed a complex and diverse membership organisation and has been the chief executive of a London housing association. I know that all members will want to give him full support in the demanding period ahead.”