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London housing association appoints Peabody COO as new chief executive
RHP has announced that Sarah Thomas is returning to the London housing association after seven years to lead as chief executive.
Currently chief operating officer at Peabody, one of the UK’s largest housing associations, Ms Thomas will move to west London-based RHP at the start of April next year.
With over 11 years at executive level, before her current role at Peabody, Ms Thomas previously worked at Catalyst as interim chief executive and as executive director of customer services at both The Guinness Partnership and RHP.
Her appointment follows news earlier this year that RHP’s long-standing chief executive, David Done, had decided to step down in March next year after 22 years at the helm.
Mr Done has led RHP since 2000. He was responsible for establishing the group after a large-scale voluntary transfer from the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.
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There have been other changes at the top for RHP in recent times, with chair Simon Devonshire leaving during the summer for personal reasons.
Mr Devonshire, who was only appointed as chair last year, has been replaced on an interim basis by Keith Jenkins.
RHP said a new permanent chair will be found once Ms Thomas starts as chief executive.
Prior to her work in the housing sector, Ms Thomas worked in the commercial sector and has over eight years of experience at a senior level at Eurostar.
Ms Thomas said: “RHP has a talented team which has always put people first and sought to deliver the best for their customers. I am delighted to be joining as chief executive and building on David and the team’s many achievements and legacy.
“I look forward to working with the board and RHP’s colleagues and residents to continue this momentum so that we can navigate the current headwinds to deliver high levels of customer satisfaction and business performance.”
Mr Jenkins said: “We are delighted to be making this appointment at such an important time for RHP.
“With Sarah’s experience of both social housing and the commercial sector, I am confident she has the qualities to lead the group to even more success. Both the board and I are looking forward to working with her.”
RHP added that Ms Thomas joins at an “exciting time” for the association, as it transitions to a new repairs partner in June 2023. The organisation said it was using this as a “catalyst” for wider transformation.
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