Swan Housing Association has appointed a new Interim CEO and two new board members.

It comes just weeks after the organisation announced it was entering merger talks with Orbit Group.

Swan confirmed its Chief Executive John Synnuck, who is due to retire at the end of the financial year, is unwell and temporarily away from the office.

So Susan Hickey, former Chief Finance Officer at Peabody Trust, has been appointed as Acting Chief Executive Officer until further notice.

Two new Board co-optees to the main Swan Group board were also appointed, with former regulator and current CEO at Paradigm Housing, Matthew Bailes, and Paul Phillips, who until recently was Chief Financial Officer at Notting Hill Genesis, stepping into the roles.

The organisation also confirmed the resignations of the Vice Chair of the Board, Peter Baynham, and the Group Board Member Steve Akeju, who chaired Swan’s Development Committee.

Pat Billingham, Chair Swan Housing, commented: “I am pleased to announce these new Board appointments which bring heavyweight sector experience in both Development and Finance to the Swan Board.

“The appointment of Susan Hickey, as Acting Chief Executive Officer, will ensure that the Swan team have strong leadership in place to support the continued delivery of services to Swan’s customers and stakeholders.”