We've appointed two new members to our board. Lynda Shillaw and Jean-Marc Vandevivere bring leading property and commercial experience to help us achieve our ambitions of delivering many more new homes, including social rented.

As part of the board they’ll help steer our strategic direction, making sure the business remains successful, responsible and compliant, whilst achieving our vision of more homes, bright futures.

As a Chartered Management Accountant, Lynda Shillaw has a broad business background. Having worked in real estate for over 20 years, Lynda’s led corporate real estate businesses at BT and the Co-op, the real estate lending business at Lloyds and SWIPs Real Estate Fund Management business. She’s also managed many large residential portfolios and her experience in bringing land forward for development, will be a great asset to us.

Lynda said: “It’s really exciting to be part of an organisation that’s vibrant and focused on making a difference to people's lives, by creating great communities. I’m looking forward to supporting the delivery of strategies at Hampshire’s largest housing association. It's also great to be part of a sector that’s at the centre of so much government policy and crucially important to the long-term growth of the UK.”

Jean-Marc has 20 years experience in the property, retail and consumer goods industries, which will benefit the business as we continue to develop more much needed homes. His current role as Chief Executive at PLATFORM_, a fully integrated investor, developer, operator and asset manager of purpose-built residential communities throughout the UK, gives him a unique insight into the changing rental market. Jean-Marc previously worked with The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and British Land, which has given him a broad strategic perspective, to help guide us to being the best organisation we can be.

Jean-Marc said: “I’m delighted to join the board at a critical time for the provision of affordable housing in the country. I look forward to helping shape the business’s direction, leveraging my experience in the residential build to rent market, as well as working with a talented team committed to growing the organisation and delivering more much needed affordable homes.

“With housing so high up the political agenda, driving forward VIVID’s social mission is a key priority and I’m incredibly excited to take up the challenge.”

Mike Kirk, Chair said: “I’m really looking forward to working with Lynda and Jean-Marc, shaping the future of the business with Mark and the executive team.”

Mark Perry, Chief Executive said: “I’m pleased to welcome Jean-Marc and Lynda to our board. They’ll provide us with crucial experience to develop our business further and support us in responding to the challenges that lie ahead, including doing all we can to help address housing need and influence government policy.

“Having a place to call home is vital to the wellbeing of individuals and society as a whole.  We’re highly committed to providing more low-cost homes as well as affordable and market rent, shared ownership and outright sale to help many achieve the brighter future they deserve.”