Afzal is a chartered certified accountant (FCCA). He holds an honours degree in Mathematics and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Auditors (CMIIA) and Chartered Institute of Housing (CIHCM). Afzal joined Orbit when it had circa 20,000 homes and has played a pivotal role in Orbit’s merger and acquisition successes which have delivered a portfolio of around 44,000 propertiers. Afzal led the formation and delivery of Orbit’s digital journey including the introduction of multi-channels for customer transactions.

Afzal’s strategic role at Orbit covers the delivery of corporate services such as IT, business improvement and risk & compliance and includes responsibility for Orbit’s procurement strategy. Afzal has considerable experience at Board level and is a current Non-Executive Director for a medium sized housing association, a Trustee for a large multi academy schools trust and he chairs an audit committee.

Mark has extensive experience leading organisations across different sectors to deliver a high-performance culture, operational excellence and outstanding customer service. His most recent role was as Managing Director at the multi-national construction company, Balfour Beatty PLC, where he led a successful transformation.

Previously, Mark implemented a growth strategy at Peverel Property Services, managing services to 200,000 homes, and helping establish the organisation as the leader in its field. He also held the position of Chief Executive at City West Homes for five years, directing the strategic and cultural development of the organisation to substantially increase performance and drive customer service to sector leading levels.

Craig joined Orbit in April 2017 as Group People Director, a new executive role created to support and deliver the people strategy across the group. His responsibilities include leading a large team across HR, People Development, Communications, Marketing, Corporate Affairs, Corporate Responsibility and Community Investment.

Craig has over 15 years extensive experience in employee engagement, business and cultural change, talent management and organisational development gained in a variety of large national and international businesses. Most recently he was HR Director for G4S plc with responsibility for over 15,000 people where he delivered large scale business change and led the successful transfer and delivery of a strategic partnership with Lincolnshire Police.

He holds a Masters within HR and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (FCIPD).

Paul Richards is our Group Customer Services Director. Paul has worked in customer-focused roles throughout his career including leading Service organisations such as The AA and Centrica. He has subsequently gained substantial experience of working within the housing and property sector. Immediately prior to joining Orbit in January 2016, Paul was Director of Customer Services for FirstPort Property Management (formally Peverel). He has also worked as an Executive Director at Housing21 and as a Non-Executive Board Member for 6,000 home Merlin Housing Association where he chaired Merlin Works, its in-house repairs and maintenance contractor.

Paul has a history of achieving successful commercial results and customer excellence in both private and public sector organisations. At Orbit he is responsible for all maintenance and core landlord operations as well as championing the delivery of great customer service.

Helen joined Orbit in October 2019 as Managing Director of Orbit Homes and is responsible for the operational delivery of all developments across the business.

Helen has worked in the property development industry for 30 years, initially at Countryside progressing from a Graduate position to Sales & Marketing Director and Head of Corporate Communications, before joining Crest Nicholson as Sales & Marketing Director of a newly established region.  Having established her own property consultancy, in 2010, she was appointed the first non-family Managing Director of City & Country, working with some of the country’s most important heritage assets.  She created and delivered a highly successful growth and profile raising strategy, achieving award winning recognition for growth and the design and quality of their sensitive developments.

Jonathan is a chartered certified accountant (FCCA).  He joined Orbit in 2015 as Treasury Funding Manager, subsequently moving in to the role of Director of Corporate Finance and Treasury in 2016.  Prior to joining Orbit, he headed up the European treasury function for the US retailer GAP Inc and, in addition, he was responsible for cash management of GAP’s Hong Kong and Taiwan businesses.  He has also worked in manufacturing and financial sectors.

He brings a wealth of experience and expertise, including merger implementation, regulatory frameworks, adoption of new accounting standards, robust financial management and management of risk.