Octavia welcomes new Interim CEO
Kevin Bolt takes up his new role as Interim CEO of Octavia today, Friday 5 January. He takes over from Sandra Skeete who has stepped down from the role having advised the Board early last year of her intention to leave Octavia to pursue new opportunities.
Kevin has worked in social housing management for 11 years, for the last nine as the CEO of the Bedford-based housing association bpha. He came into the sector via a career in Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and change management.
Kevin has a depth and breadth of commercial experience gained through working at Board level in the private and public sectors. He has delivered growth and performance improvements in organisations as diverse as Appletiser plc and Dairy Crest, through to the Ministry of Defence and NHS Trusts. His first experience of the housing sector came in 2012 when he undertook a consultancy project with bpha, and he has been a passionate advocate ever since.
“I am delighted to be joining a team of people who are dedicated to providing homes, support, and care to thousands of people in central and west London,” said Kevin. “I’m looking forward to us working together to steer Octavia through what is a pivotal point in its history and protect its founder’s legacy for future generations of Londoners.”
Stephen Jack, Chairman of Octavia’s Board, added: “Kevin has a clear commitment to our social purpose and our future ambition for the organisation. He will be a huge asset to the leadership team at Octavia and I’m looking forward to working with him.
“On behalf of the Board and myself, I would also like to thank Sandra for all that she’s achieved in her time with Octavia. Sandra has been a groundbreaker and role model in many ways.
“As well as introducing new ways of thinking and working, she has also had to deal with the huge operational challenges of the pandemic and the financial challenges which have followed. Sandra is a passionate advocate for Octavia and for social housing in London. She leaves the organisation with our sincere thanks and good wishes for the future.”