Elim Housing Press Statement

2 September 2020

Elim Housing Group has today announced that the CEO, Alistair Allender, will be retiring. Paul Smith has been appointed to the position of Group Chief Executive with effect from 1 October 2020, with Alistair supporting the transition process.

Alistair has been at Elim for almost 30 years, leading the business from humble beginnings, to being recognised as the leading provider of Gypsy and Traveller services in the south-west as well as providing support services, rented housing and shared ownership schemes. Paul, the Board, and the team have a strong foundation from which to build in the future.

Andy Lunt, Elim group chair, said:

"Whilst 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."

Paul Smith, who is well known in the housing sector, has had a long association with Elim starting with his role managing the south west regional office of the National Housing Federation in the 1990s, through to his most recent role as Cabinet Member for Homes and Communities at Bristol City Council. Paul and Alistair have been working together in recent years on the Bristol Homes Board and in 2019 they jointly launched the Bristol Homes Charter. Paul said:

"It is a huge honour to be appointed to this role at Elim. 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.”

Alistair added:

"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."

Enquires to Alistair Allender (07968 868320) or Rachel Pinchin (07769 933891)