Our People

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Recruiting

Chair

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Recruiting

Non Executive Director

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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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Recruiting

Non Executive Director

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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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Pam Bhamra

Chair

With over 25 years of senior level experience in housing, Pam is passionate about customer service and resident engagement. She is currently Director of Resident Services at Origin Housing, part of the Places for People Group. As a former Board Chair of Apna Ghar Housing Association, Pam successfully managed its merger with Tamil Community Housing Association. A member of the Chartered Institute of Housing and the National Housing Federation's Customer Experience & Housing Management National Group, Pam is committed to excellence in her field.

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Sarah Wall

Vice Chair

Sarah is a passionate advocate for social and affordable housing, with extensive experience in investment, credit, and risk management. Her rich background in housing finance has led her to success in key roles such as Senior Portfolio Manager and Head of Investment Risk. Sarah has also served as a NED at the Social Housing Regulator and now contributes to the Board of Saltaire Housing, driving the Government's £6bn Affordable Housing Guarantee Scheme.

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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. 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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