Newly formed Southern Housing unveils finance team

Tariq Kazi, who was director of corporate finance at Optivo, has become Southern Housing’s director of Treasury.

Steve Sharples, director of corporate finance at Southern Housing Group, is now Southern Housing’s director of investments.

Mr Kazi and Mr Sharples are reporting to Mr Paul, who now combines corporate strategy and financial strategy in his remit, as well as treasury and investments, and technology.

As previously revealed Paul Hackett, chief executive at Optivo, has taken the reins at the newly combined group. Alan Townshend, Southern’s chief executive, resigned once the merger was finalised.

Mr Townsend was due to become deputy chief executive of the new entity.

Jane Porter, who was Optivo’s chief operating officer, and Richard White, who was Optivo’s executive director of development and sales, have both taken up the same roles at the new organisation.

Sir Peter Dixon, who was Optivo’s chair, has taken the same role at Southern. Janet Collier, a board member at Southern Housing Group, has become vice-chair of the new group. 

The boards of both Optivo and Southern backed a proposal for the merger in March and they announced that they had agreed to proceed with the plans, following engagement with key stakeholders.

According to the financial accounts for both social landlords for the year to 31 March 2022, the merged group would have a surplus of around £139m. This is made up of £108m from Optivo and £31m from Southern Housing Group.

Optivo was the larger of the two organisations with 45,000 homes, while Southern Housing Group had around 32,000.