Octavia Housing announces leadership changes

Octavia Housing today announces two leadership changes at the organisation.

Sandra Skeete will be stepping down as CEO in January 2024.

Sandra has been CEO of Octavia Housing since September 2019 and under her leadership, the organisation has continued to deliver on its social purpose of providing homes, support, and care for residents in central and west London. Since 2019, Octavia Housing has extended its reach to support communities through the covid pandemic and cost of living crisis and developed more than 300 new affordable homes in the capital.

Sandra shared with the Board earlier this year her intention to leave the organisation to pursue new opportunities, however agreed to stay on to support the delivery of a potential partnership with Abri and ensure that Octavia had robust improvement plans in place in response to its recent regulatory downgrade. Working on the potential partnership will be Sandra’s primary focus during the remainder of her tenure.

The Board has appointed Kevin Bolt as Managing Director of Octavia Housing.

Kevin will oversee the day-to-day operations of the organisation and ensure continuity in leadership so that staff, residents, and the wider Octavia community continues to benefit from strong leadership following Sandra’s departure.

Kevin brings with him 11 years’ of experience working in social housing and was formerly chief executive of Bedford-based housing association BPHA for nine years.

Kevin Bolt said: “Octavia has a rich legacy of supporting the diverse neighbourhoods of central and west London and I’m looking forward to joining the organisation at a crucial moment in its history. Throughout the interview process, I met with passionate individuals who I look forward to working with to ensure Octavia continues to build on its legacy to help more people live independently.”

Sandra Skeete said: “It has been a privilege and pleasure leading Octavia over the last four years to continue to deliver on its social purpose. A partnership with Abri offers an excellent potential opportunity for Octavia to secure a stronger future for residents, customers, colleagues and partners.”

Stephen Jack, Chairman of the Board, said: “The Board recognises Sandra's professionalism, commitment and strong leadership during a challenging time for the organisation. I want to thank her for accepting the Board’s request to stay for an extended period to lead the development of our partnership proposals and coordinate our improvement plan. I am pleased to welcome Kevin to the Octavia family – the Board was impressed by his experience and his commitment to our social purpose. These changes announced today are very significant for the organisation and the Board remains optimistic about Octavia’s future and the opportunity to build on its 158-year legacy of serving London’s communities.”