Our People

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Tony Travers

Chair

Tony has over 35 years of industry experience with John Laing Construction and as Managing Director at Countryside Properties PLC. He led Countryside’s drive into London, delivering projects such as the Hackney 5 estates, the Peckham Partnership and Greenwich Millennium Village. He has overseen all aspects of the development process and delivered in excess of 30,000 homes on both brown and greenfield sites, many of which have been recognised as award winning by the RIBA, RTPI and CABE. He is passionate about adding both economic and social value through the design process.

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Suzanne Forster

Non Executive Director

A finance and business improvement professional, with over twenty five years experience advising and operating at a senior executive level within the affordable housing sector.

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Recruiting

Non Executive Director

We are in the process of recruiting for this role.

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Recruiting

Senior Independent Director

We are in the process of recruiting for this role.

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Pam Bhamra

Chair

With over 25 years of senior level experience in housing, Pam is passionate about customer service and resident engagement. She is currently Director of Resident Services at Origin Housing, part of the Places for People Group. As a former Board Chair of Apna Ghar Housing Association, Pam successfully managed its merger with Tamil Community Housing Association. A member of the Chartered Institute of Housing and the National Housing Federation's Customer Experience & Housing Management National Group, Pam is committed to excellence in her field.

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Sarah Wall

Vice Chair

Sarah is a passionate advocate for social and affordable housing, with extensive experience in investment, credit, and risk management. Her rich background in housing finance has led her to success in key roles such as Senior Portfolio Manager and Head of Investment Risk. Sarah has also served as a NED at the Social Housing Regulator and now contributes to the Board of Saltaire Housing, driving the Government's £6bn Affordable Housing Guarantee Scheme.

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Suzanne Forster

Board Member

A finance and business improvement professional, with over twenty five years experience advising and operating at a senior executive level within the affordable housing sector.

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Tonia Secker

Board Member

Tonia's sector of expertise lies in social and affordable housing and she advises across the sector. She has over 20 years' experience advising both the public and private sectors on joint ventures, outsourcings and regeneration schemes and has particular experience of advising government agencies on funding arrangements for the delivery of affordable housing.

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Deborah Heenan

CEO

Deborah is the Chief Executive Officer of Populo Living, building new homes in Newham, East London, on behalf of Newham Council. Newham is one of London’s most exciting, diverse and fastest growing boroughs; Deborah and the Populo Living team are committed to providing more homes that are affordable and high quality places that will stand the test of time. Her career ranges from Strategy Director for a major residential developer, to advising the former PM on Housing Policy, to delivering large scale residential schemes directly. Deb is also a Professor of Practice at the University of Wales, Trinity St David.

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Michael Holland

Deputy CEO

Michael is Deputy CEO and part of the Executive Team. He is responsible for all development and construction activities across Populo Living. Michael has previously worked for both private and public sector organisations and has extensive experience of development over his career to date.

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Hardeep Bhermi

Director of Finance

Hardeep is Populo’s Director of Finance and Resources. He was previously Director of Finance for Housing Plus Group and over 20 years experience in senior finance and management roles across the housing and property sector.

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