Orbit has welcomed former CEO of Peabody, Stephen Howlett CBE, DL, to its Group Board.
Orbit has welcomed former CEO of Peabody, Stephen Howlett CBE, DL, to its Group Board.
Stephen has over 40 years’ experience in the housing sector and last year stepped down as CEO of the Peabody Group, after 13 years. In 2017 he became a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London and he was awarded a CBE in the New Year’s honours in 2018 for services to housing.
Talking about his Orbit Group board appointment, he said: “After Peabody I took a little time out, but was extremely keen to continue using my housing sector experience in other roles. Orbit really appealed to me because it has a wider geographical remit than I have been used to and I like the fact that it has a robust building programme working alongside its strong social purpose.”
Orbit is the largest builder of affordable homes in the UK having contributed 2030 new homes over the past 12 months, of which 1,210 were for affordable/social rent. It provides more than 43,000 quality, affordable homes across the midlands, east and south east and continues to support the growth of UK housing with plans to build more affordable homes as it sets out on its vision; to lead in building thriving communities.
The Rt Hon. Baroness Tessa Blackstone, Chair of Orbit’s Group Board, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Stephen to our Board. His impressive career history, which spans 40 years, is testament to his dedication to housing with a social purpose and we look forward to benefitting from his extensive experience and knowledge at our future Board meetings.”
Mr Howlett is also currently Chair of London South East Colleges, is a member of Transport for London’s Commercial Development Advisory Group and is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for his contribution to architecture and development.
His previous appointments include CEO of Amicus Group, CEO of Swale Housing and Director of Policy and Resources and Area Director at Notting Hill Housing Group.