Peabody’s Ian McDermott among three CEOs appointed to the National Housing Federation’s board

The National Housing Federation has appointed three housing association chief executives to its board.

Ian McDermott, chief executive of Peabody, Steve Coffey of Torus and Victor da Cunha, of Curo Group have all joined the board of the housing association membership organisation. 

A spokesperson said the board appointments are designed to help strengthen the federation’s strategic planning and governance. 

The NHF is currently undertaking a strategic review to refresh the organisation’s understanding of sector challenges, vulnerabilities and opportunitiesas it forms a new business strategy.  

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McDermott, with more than 30 years’ experience in housing, started his career at Southwark Council, before working for Sanctuary, Aldwyck Housing, and Catalyst, and became CEO of Peabody in 2021.

He is vice chair of the G15 and a member of the CIH audit and risk committee. He also co-chairs the NHF’s quality and trust steering group.

Coffey grew up in social housing and has more than 30 years’ experience in the sector. In 2008, he led Liverpool Mutual Homes’ LSVT and was chief executive for 10 years prior to leading a merger with Torus. He became chair of Homes for the North in 2022.

Da Cunha brings over three decades of experience in social housing and has led Curo for 13 years. He chairs Local Space Housing Association and Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Housing Board.

Waqar Ahmed will be leaving the NHF board as he will step down from his role as L&Q’s group finance director in April, a position he has held for 16 years. He has been on the NHF board for five years.

The appointments mean the board now has nine members, the minimum it is allowed under its rules.

Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, said: “Our new board members bring a wealth of expertise and the experience of leading housing associations across diverse geographies and housing markets, covering the north west, the south west and London. 

“Our new board members join us at a really exciting time for the NHF as we begin to shape our business strategy, and I look forward to hearing their insights and inputs as we develop this further.”