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Paul Richmond announced as Thrive's new Chief Executive

09 December 2024

Thrive Homes has announced the appointment of Paul Richmond as its new Chief Executive, effective from 1st April 2025. 

Paul joins from Watford Community Housing, where he has held the role of Deputy Chief Executive since 2020. In this role, he is a core member of the management team that achieved top C1 and G1/V1 ratings from the Regulator for Social Housing in July 2024. Prior to this he was the organisation’s Group Director of Finance and Resources. Paul has a proven track record of driving organisational growth and transformation and will bring a wealth of social housing experience to Thrive Homes.

A qualified accountant with an MBA from Cranfield University, Paul also has extensive financial and management experience gained working across the financial services for fifteen years, including as Finance Director for AXA UK, the insurer. His private sector experience means that he has deep expertise in strategic planning, risk management and ensuring robust corporate governance.  

Thrive’s core purpose is to provide and manage homes that help individuals and families secure a good quality, safe, affordable place to live. The organisation is committed to increasing housing availability across some of the UK's most expensive regions, believing that home is the foundation that enables individuals and families to thrive.

Paul will be responsible for ensuring that Thrive continues to meet its ambitious goals of providing affordable housing options through social rent, affordable rent, shared ownership, and market rent.

Paul is dedicated to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in the social housing sector and beyond. He served previously as a Non-Executive Director on the board of the Peter Bedford Housing Association, which works with socially excluded adults in northeast London. He is also currently a Board Trustee of Crohn’s and Colitis UK, the charity that supports people affected by Crohn’s and Colitis, since 2023.

Paul Richmond, Incoming Chief Executive, said:

"I am truly thrilled to be joining Thrive Homes. From afar, I have long been impressed by Thrive’s unwavering commitment to delivering much-needed homes in what are some of England’s most unaffordable regions. Thrive's purpose and mission resonates deeply with me – and I am excited to take up the challenge of ensuring that individuals and families have good quality homes in which they can thrive.

What draws me most to this role is Thrive's clear mission and the exceptional team I'll be working with – I’m already looking forward to making a positive impact for the communities that we serve.”

Elspeth Mackenzie, Outgoing Chief Executive, commented:

"Paul’s appointment means that Thrive will be in excellent hands following my retirement. The combination of his experience, expertise and genuine enthusiasm for affordable, social housing makes Paul a perfect fit for this role. As my time at Thrive comes to an end, I am excited about the continued growth and impact Paul will bring to our mission of providing affordable, quality homes where people can thrive.