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Council housing cabinet member to join housing association as chief executive
A small housing association in the South West has appointed a council cabinet member for housing as its new chief executive.
Paul Smith, who has held the housing brief at Bristol City Council since 2016, will join Elim Housing at the start of October.
He will replace Alistair Allender, who is retiring after nearly 30 years at Elim.
The 800-home landlord describes itself as the leading provider of Gypsy and Traveller services in the South West.
Andy Lunt, chair of Elim, said: “While Alistair’s departure will inevitably be a sad loss for the organisation, I am very pleased that Paul has accepted the role of group chief executive and will lead the business through the next exciting phase of its development.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Alistair for his tremendous commitment and contribution to the Elim Housing Group over his long and distinguished career and wish him every success in the future.
“As a well-known sector figure, Paul brings a wealth of experience, together with the energy and vision required to take the organisation onto the next level – I look forward to supporting him and the team in building Elim’s continuing success.”
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Mr Smith previously spent time at large housing association Aster Group, where he was head of intelligence and insight.
Before that, he worked at the National Housing Federation, managing its South West regional office in the 1990s.
He is also a board member at Connexus Housing and a panel member for the Housing Ombudsman.
“It is a huge honour to be appointed to this role at Elim,” Mr Smith said.
“I have huge respect for the work Alistair has done and he will be a very difficult act to follow.
“I am excited about working with the board, customers, colleagues and partners to take Elim into its next stage of development.”
Mr Allender said: “After nearly 30 years at Elim, it is time to step down and pass the reins to someone new.
“I will, of course, miss everyone as well as the job itself, but now is the time to look forward to different opportunities, which time will offer, and spend more time with the family, the horses and the dogs.
“I wish Andy and Paul and all my friends and colleagues the very best for the future.”
The pair worked together to launch the Bristol Homes Charter in 2019.
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