Behind the scenes with Naz Ahmed, Director of Corporate Services

27/07/2026

Our ‘Behind the Scenes’ series introduces Poplar HARCA's Leadership team and the roles they play in driving our organisation forward. This time, we're meeting Naz Ahmed, Director of Corporate Services. Working across a wide range of teams, Naz helps ensure colleagues have the support, tools and information they need to deliver the best possible services for residents.

Bringing people, ideas and services together

Having spent almost 20 years at Poplar HARCA, Naz now oversees Communications, People and Development, Complaints, Health and Safety, Business Improvement and Executive Support. Together, these teams help the organisation run effectively while driving improvements across Poplar HARCA.

“A lot of my role involves understanding what’s important to residents, colleagues and partners and making sure their feedback shapes the way we work and improve,” he shares.

While much of his work happens behind the scenes, it has a real impact on everyday experiences, strengthening internal services, and ensuring residents remain at the heart of what we do.

A journey rooted in East London

Naz’s journey with Poplar HARCA began in 2008 through a graduate scheme run by the East London Business Alliance, connecting local people with organisations across London.

After visiting several organisations, including some of the city’s largest employers, one experience stood out.

“Poplar HARCA was different,” he reflects. “The other places had the big, shiny glass buildings and the corporate feel. But the moment we left our presentation with Poplar HARCA, every one of us wanted to work here.”

He initially joined the Communications team as a graduate intern, working on press, events and internal engagement before moving into strategy, project management and business support roles.

Over the years, he’s gained experience across complaints, resident engagement, performance, service improvement and organisational development, giving him a unique perspective on how different parts of Poplar HARCA work together.

“I’ve always been at the centre of the organisation, which I describe as the engine. We’re the people helping to keep the cogs moving,” he explains.

Leading from within, not above

For Naz, good leadership is built on trust, honesty and strong relationships.

“I’m a firm believer in being open and transparent with whoever we’re engaging with. Good leadership isn’t always saying yes to everything. Sometimes it means saying no but explaining why it’s a no,” he shares.

Naz also believes leaders need to be visible and connected to the people around them. Rather than leading from a distance, he prefers spending time with colleagues, residents and partners to better understand their experiences first-hand.

“People see titles flying around everywhere,” he says. “And yes, absolutely, titles are there for a reason. But for me, leadership comes from being within the department, within teams, within groups of people. That’s where real leadership happens.”

Building on a strong foundation

As he settles into his new role, Naz is focused on building on everything we’ve achieved while helping the organisation prepare for the future.

"What excites me most is the opportunity to continue growing the legacy we’ve created over the last 25 years,” he says.

In the coming year, his priorities include improving how residents influence our services and decisions, making performance information more accessible, and supporting colleagues through our new professional development framework.

He’s also committed to helping the organisation respond to change across the housing sector, while continuing to deliver community, wellbeing and employment opportunities for local residents.

Family, fitness and fresh air

Outside of work, Naz’s life revolves around being a hands-on dad to three children, with weekends often spent between swimming lessons, football sessions and ballet classes.

When he gets some time to himself, he enjoys football, cycling and swimming, which help him reset.

In recent years, he’s taken on trekking challenges, from Snowdonia to the Atlas Mountains and even the Moroccan desert.

“It reminds you to slow down,” he says, “and to appreciate where you are.”

Closer to home, he’s a big fan of the local food scene, with Kar Woo in Stepney and Amar Gaon on Brick Lane among his favourite spots.

Want to learn more about our Leadership team? Find out more here.