01/07/2025
In June we said thank you to Paul Brickell, to celebrate the end of his 10-year tenure as our Chair.
A decade might not seem long in the life of the capital, but under Paul’s leadership, our corner of east London has seen real transformation. He’s championed resident leadership, driven service excellence, and regularly cycled around residents’ estates to stay close to what matters most — the community, their homes and places.
“My family has deep roots in Poplar, so it’s been especially meaningful — and a huge honour — to serve as Chair.”
“I am proud that Poplar HARCA has improved this part of London and the lives of the people who live here.”
Some of Paul’s achievements include:
- The highest tenant satisfaction scores in London
- Securing local infrastructure including Langdon Park DLR Station, the A13 pedestrian crossing, and soon-to-be-delivered pedestrian bridges across the River Lea, connecting Tower Hamlets with Newham
- Championing major regeneration at Teviot, Chrisp Street, Leopold and Aberfeldy
- Successfully steering HARCA through three regulatory inspections, including top governance and consumer standard grades
Steve Stride, our chief executive, said:
“Paul’s vision and drive mean we’ve achieved more than I thought possible. He’s pushed us to be our best for our community — and I’ll always be grateful for his guidance and friendship.”
What’s next
Paul’s east London story continues as he’s leading the Thames Discovery Programme, a project that brings together archaeology, regeneration, and community to explore and celebrate the rich history of the Thames and the River Lea.
Welcoming Jon Lord
As Paul steps down, we warmly welcome Jon Lord, our new Chair into the role.
Paul said about Jon’s appointment:
“Jon is grounded in the values that matter — community, fairness, and impact. His leadership will help to shape a strong future for HARCA and the community.”