Simply Affordable Homes, the registered for-profit affordable housing provider managed by Savills Investment Management, has appointed Katrina Laud as chair of the board with effect from 1 October 2026.
Laud, who has more than 40 years of experience in the social housing sector, including more than a decade as a non-executive board chair, senior independent director and board member across both for-profit and not-for-profit registered providers, succeeds Keith Exford, who is stepping down from the role.
She has held non-executive directorships at Habitare Homes, Saffron Housing Trust, Flagship Housing, Bedford Estates and Woburn RP, and has been a consultant director in Savills’ affordable housing division for almost 20 years.
Laud established her own business, KL Management Consultants, in 2007, providing bid support for, and then becoming managing director of, Cambridgeshire Partnerships.
In her new role, she will help steer governance, strategy and deployment for Simply Affordable Homes as it scales its open-ended fund.
Laud said: “Stepping into this role comes at a period of growth for the fund, platform and the wider affordable housing sector. Unlocking institutional capital is vital to meeting the acute demand for high-quality, sustainable affordable housing across the country, with public and private capital becoming increasingly aligned on the mutual benefits.
“Simply Affordable Homes has a clear sense of purpose and strong foundations, and I look forward to working closely with the board, Savills IM, local authorities and housing associations to expand our portfolio, and deliver meaningful outcomes for our residents and stakeholders, through robust leadership and governance.”
Dominic Curtis, fund manager for the Simply Affordable Homes Fund, added: “Katrina’s depth of experience in UK social housing, governance, and stakeholder collaboration will be of real benefit to the business as we continue to executive our growth plan. On behalf of the entire business, I would also like to thank Keith Exford for his invaluable leadership and guidance.”
