Poplar HARCA Unveils New Leadership Structure to Build on Success

The new structure introduces a streamlined Executive Leadership Team, supported by a second tier of Directors with the autonomy to lead and innovate across considerable expertise. The aim is to do even better what Poplar HARCA already does well — delivering excellent services, driving regeneration, and creating opportunities with and for the community. 

This evolution follows the retirement of two long-serving directors, Kevin Wright and Andrea Baker. Kevin, the organisation’s longest-serving Director, has led Technical Resources since 1998. Andrea joined in 2008 as Director of Housing, later taking on Corporate Services. Both have been instrumental in shaping Poplar HARCA’s reputation for sector-leading resident satisfaction, bold estate regeneration, and a culture built on trust, accountability, and resident-led standards. 

Chief Executive Steve Stride said: 

“This is a moment of continuity and momentum. Our new leadership structure reflects who we are and who we’re becoming. We’re promoting from within, backing leaders who know our places, people, and purpose, and who are ready to lead us into the future as we prepare to launch our next 5-year plan.” 

Under the new model, Poplar HARCA will remain rooted in place-based regeneration and resident-led delivery, while increasing capacity to adapt, collaborate, and lead in an increasingly complex environment. 

The new Executive Team is: 

• Steve Stride, Chief Executive Officer 
• Liz Williams, Chief Operating Officer 
• Paul Dooley, Chief Development Officer 
• Babu Bhattacherjee, Chief Communities Officer 
• Simran Soin, Chief Finance Officer 

New Director posts will be recruited to over the coming months.  

Steve added:

“Our values, purpose, and commitment to our community remain the same. We have been incredibly fortunate to benefit from Andrea and Kevin’s committed leadership and innovation for the past two decades. Following another successful IDA, the timing is right for our new leadership team to step up and start the next chapter.”