We have appointed Emma Palmer as our new Chief Executive
We have appointed Emma Palmer as our new Chief Executive. Bringing more than 30 years' experience across housing associations and local government, Emma joins us to lead us into our next chapter.
Emma will start her role on 28 September, after eight years as Chief Executive of Eastlight Community Homes, where she led the organisation through a period of significant growth, organisational change and service improvement.
During her tenure, Eastlight grew to almost 15,000 homes, delivered around 2,000 affordable homes, maintained the highest governance and financial viability ratings, and strengthened customer influence across the organisation.
Emma will take up her role later this year, following the leadership of our former Chief Executive Elizabeth Froude and Interim Chief Executive Kevin Bolt, who has successfully led the organisation during the transition period.
Throughout her career, Emma has championed customer voice and influence, local decision making and accessible housing. In 2025 she was appointed by the government as Disability and Access Ambassador for Housing and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing.
Helen Gillett, our Chair, said: “We are delighted to welcome Emma to Platform. She is an exceptional leader whose experience, values and commitment to customers made her the outstanding candidate for this role.
“Emma has a proven track record of leading complex organisations, delivering new affordable homes, maintaining strong governance and creating cultures where colleagues and customers are genuinely listened to. As Platform continues to grow and evolve, we are confident she will build on our strong foundations while leading the organisation through its next chapter.”
Emma said: “I’m incredibly proud to be joining Platform Housing Group at such an exciting time for the organisation. Platform has an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality homes, investing in communities and putting customers at the heart of its work.
“Throughout my career I’ve believed that great services begin by listening to customers, colleagues and partners. I’m looking forward to getting out across Platform’s communities, meeting colleagues and customers, understanding what matters most to them and building on the excellent work already taking place.
“Housing changes lives. It provides the foundation from which people can thrive, and I’m looking forward to working alongside colleagues, customers and partners to continue delivering safe, affordable homes and strong, sustainable communities across the Midlands.”
We own and manage 51,332 homes and are one of England’s largest housing associations. We continue to invest in both existing homes and new affordable housing while maintaining G1 governance and V1 financial viability ratings.
Photo caption : Emma Palmer has been appointed as Chief Executive at Platform Housing Group.