Two housing associations have announced the appointment of new chief financial officers (CFOs).

Platform Housing Group has appointed experienced housing finance leader Amanda Holgate as its new CFO.

Amanda (pictured left) will join Platform on Monday 28 September, bringing extensive executive leadership experience and a strong track record across social housing and other commercial sectors.

She was most recently CFO at Anchor, England’s largest not for profit provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life.  During her time there, Amanda also served as Interim Chief Executive, providing leadership to the organisation during a period of significant change.

Before joining Anchor, Amanda was Chief Financial Officer at Southern Housing Group.  Her earlier housing career included senior finance roles at Family Mosaic and Peabody.

Prior to entering housing, Amanda gained more than 20 years’ financial and commercial experience across financial services, technology and retail asset management.  She is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Helen Gillett, Chair of Platform Housing Group said: “We are delighted to welcome Amanda to Platform.  She brings an impressive combination of financial expertise, housing knowledge and wider executive leadership experience.

“Amanda has a strong track record of helping large and complex organisations maintain financial resilience while continuing to invest in the services and homes that matter to customers.

“As Platform enters its next chapter, her insight and leadership will be enormously valuable in helping us deliver our ambitions, make the best possible use of our resources and build on the organisation’s strong foundations.”

Amanda said: “I’m delighted to be joining Platform Housing Group. Platform is an organisation with a clear social purpose, strong values and an important role in providing safe, affordable homes across the Midlands.

“I’m looking forward to working with colleagues, customers, the board, investors and partners.  Together, we can ensure Platform remains financially strong and resilient, while continuing to invest in its existing homes, services and new affordable housing.

“This is an exciting time to be joining Platform and I’m very much looking forward to getting started.”

Amanda’s role will also see her join Platform’s board.

Her appointment coincides with Emma Palmer joining Platform as its new Chief Executive, succeeding Elizabeth Froude and, latterly, the current interim CEO, Kevin Bolt.

Amanda will replace the outgoing CFO, Rosemary Farrar, who is set to retire after more than six years with the organisation.

Meanwhile, Stonewater has announced the appointment of Kirsty Spark to the role of CFO.

Kirsty (pictured right) currently serves as CFO at Accent Group and is also a board and audit committee member at Leeds Federated Housing Association.

Kirsty said: “I’m excited to be joining Stonewater at such an important point in its journey. My time at Accent has given me invaluable experience, opportunities to grow and the privilege of working alongside exceptional colleagues, for which I’ll always be grateful. Those experiences have reinforced my belief that strong financial stewardship is about enabling organisations to invest in homes, communities and the services customers rely on with an emphasis on a customer-first approach.

“The need for good quality, safe, sustainable homes is greater than ever and I’m looking forward to being part of Stonewater’s success story in creating more opportunities for people to have a place to call home.”

Since joining Accent in 2018 as Financial Controller, Kirsty progressed to Chief Financial Officer, playing a central role in one of the organisation’s most significant periods of growth and transformation.

During her time with Accent, she helped secure the organisation’s landmark £350 million bond, strengthened its long-term financial resilience. Alongside this, she helped Accent retain its G1/V1 regulatory ratings and Standard & Poor’s A credit rating while supporting the organisation through change.

Jonathan Layzell, Chief Executive at Stonewater, said: “Kirsty’s appointment is a very welcome addition to Stonewater’s Chief Officer Group. Her extensive financial expertise alongside her astute insight and genuine passion for customer excellence really stood out for us. She has a great ability to inspire others and create strong relationships with stakeholders which align with our values and organisational goals.

“I have no doubt that she’ll be a brilliant asset to our senior team, building on our financial strength to deliver our corporate plan and strategic objectives, ensuring we remain well placed to realise our ambitions and meet future challenges.”

Kirsty will take up her new position as CFO with Stonewater from 24 November.