Populo People

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Recruiting

Chair

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Raj Kambo

Non Executive Director

Raj is passionate about improving people's lives. Reflecting this commitment, he serves on the Boards and Committees of several housing associations. He also serves as Chair of the Audit, Risk, and Finance Committee at Leeds Credit Union. Raj's professional background is in financial services, where he held senior positions including Financial Controller and Chief Risk Officer within large, complex, and regulated investment banks. In addition to his in-depth knowledge of the housing sector, he brings expertise in finance, risk management, regulation, stress testing, strategic transformation, and environmental and social governance (ESG). He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Governance, a Certificate in ESG, and a Level 2 qualification in Counselling Skills.

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Jo Sedley-Burke

Non Executive Director

Jo Sedley-Burke is an experienced housing professional with a strong background in Social Housing and Technology. She has over 20 years of experience in housing management, with a focus on improving service delivery. Jo is passionate about leveraging innovative solutions, such as digital tools and data-driven approaches, to enhance resident experience and streamline property management. She has worked with various housing associations and technology providers in the sector leading initiatives to improve access to affordable housing and support sustainable community development. As an Executive and a NED, Jo's expertise in both operational management and strategic planning makes her a respected leader in the sector.

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Paul Lowenburg

Non Executive Director

Paul was appointed as a NED on Populo Living and Populo Design and Build boards in January 2025. He is an experienced non-executive Chair and Director. He was Chair of Sixty Bricks from October 2020 – May 2024, the Waltham Forest Council housing development company. During this period the company completed 300 homes, 70% of which were for social housing. He has also been Chair of Dawson Housing, a start-up Registered Provider focused on providing specialist housing services in the North-west. He is a NED on Islington Law Centre and Rightsnet, an IT based advice service organisation. Paul established and has run a public service management consultancy practice for over 25 years. Much of his work is in social housing with Councils and Housing Associations. Recent clients including Haringey and Sutton Council’s housing organisations and Peabody and Yarlington HAs. He is committed to ensuring Populo works closely with Newham Council to deliver its housing targets, the ‘triple dividend’, and maintains its financial sustainability.

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Tina Barnard

Interim Chair

Tina has been Chief Executive of Watford Community Housing since its formation in 2007. She is a qualified accountant who has been in the housing sector for over 30 years, working as a Finance Director in three housing organisations – CHP, Worthing Homes and New Era – and as a financial analyst at the Housing Corporation. As part of Watford Community Housing’s wider Group activities, Tina serves on the Clarendon Living Board and is Chair of our Hart Homes joint venture with Watford Borough Council. She is also Chair of both our Three Rivers Homes and Hertsmere Living Ltd joint venture companies with key local authority partners. With Tina as Chief Executive, Watford Community Housing is committed to helping Hertfordshire meet its housing goals and making the county’s homes more sustainable, as co-founder of the Greener Herts partnership and Chair of Hertfordshire Housing Conference. Tina has been a Non-Executive Director for a number of housing and charitable organisations.

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Val Bagnall

Non Executive Director

Val has worked in the housing sector for over 30 years, as both an Executive and non executive, with wide ranging experience of the affordable housing value chain, innovation, and growth. Val helped pioneer and establish airspace development as an asset class in the UK and is a frequent speaker on unlocking new value from existing assets. Currently Val is Chair of Broadway Living RP, a subsidiary of Ealing Borough Council.

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Recruiting

Board Member

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Recruiting

Board Member

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Deborah Heenan

CEO

Deborah is the Chief Executive Officer of Populo Living, building new homes in Newham, East London, on behalf of Newham Council. Newham is one of London’s most exciting, diverse and fastest growing boroughs; Deborah and the Populo Living team are committed to providing more homes that are affordable and high quality places that will stand the test of time. Her career ranges from Strategy Director for a major residential developer, to advising the former PM on Housing Policy, to delivering large scale residential schemes directly. Deb is also a Professor of Practice at the University of Wales, Trinity St David.

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Michael Holland

Deputy CEO

Michael is Deputy CEO and part of the Executive Team. He is responsible for all development and construction activities across Populo Living. Michael has previously worked for both private and public sector organisations and has extensive experience of development over his career to date.

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Louise Graham-Smith

Director of Customer Services

Louise Graham Smith is Populo's Director of Customer Services and is responsible for upholding consumer standards in Populo Homes. With over 15 years of experience in housing and asset management, Louise is passionate about continuous improvement and customer engagement. A qualified housing professional with senior leadership experience, Louise is committed to building strong teams and delivering services that make a tangible difference in people’s lives by ensuring access to safe, stable, and high-quality housing.

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Inderjeet Kaler

Director of Finance

Inderjeet Kaler, Director of Finance at Populo Living, is an ACCA Fellow with 20 years’ experience spanning FP&A, commercial strategy, and financial transformation. Previously at Leaf Living, he brings deep expertise in property finance, SPVs, and investment appraisal. Known for his sharp analytical mind and calm efficiency, Inderjeet thrives on turning complexity into clarity, and strives to exceed expectations.

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