THFC welcomes George Blunden as its new Chairman of the board

2019-04-11

The Housing Finance Corporation (THFC) today announced the appointment of George Blunden as its Chairman designate.

George joined the board in March and will take over as Chair from Ian Peacock at the end of July 2019 when Ian will have completed the maximum permitted six-year term under THFC’s Rules.

George brings a wealth of sector specific as well as financial expertise to THFC’s board of directors. He has experienced chairing large Housing Associations since 1993 (as Chair of Southern Housing Group from 1993 to 2006) and since 2010 has been the Chair of Stonewater, overseeing the successful integration of Raglan and Jephson Housing Associations. George will stand down as Chair from Stonewater in October this year.

His time at Stonewater coincided with nine-years as Chair of Charity Bank, of which he will retire from in May of this year, and a completed term of office as the Senior Independent Director of the insurer, Beazley Plc.

Piers Williamson, Chief Executive of THFC, said “We are delighted that George has agreed to join the board. He has an extensive first- hand experience of both housing association governance and housing policy which will be invaluable to us. He is also no stranger to the City. We are delighted to welcome him to the organisation.”

George’s appointment sees the end of Ian Peacock’s term. Prior to THFC, Ian had been the Chair of Family Mosaic (Now Peabody), During Ian’s time as THFC Chair the Group won the bid to deliver the Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme (AHGS) and set up its delivery partner, THFC’s subsidiary Affordable Housing Finance. The AHGS proved to be the most successful scheme of its type in UK history, delivering consistent borrowing rates of often sub 2%. Ian will leave THFC just as its newest company, bLEND Funding Plc, begins to establish itself in the market, having already created a loan book of £320m, spread across three maturities.

Ian Peacock said:” I am delighted to welcome George to the Board of THFC as Chairman elect. We are fortunate to appoint someone of his experience both in housing and in finance. It has been a privilege to Chair THFC over the last 6 years and I look forward to THFC’s future with confidence”.

George Blunden responded: “I am delighted to be joining such an interesting and successful organisation as THFC. I look forward to helping it continue to be a leading provider of a variety of finance that will enable housing associations to build and manage homes to meet housing need”

If you require any further information, please contact:

Piers Williamson, Chief Executive, The Housing Finance Corporation Limited
Tel: 020 7337 9920, Email: Piers.Williamson@thfcorp.com

THFC welcomes George Blunden as its new Chairman of the board

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