Hightown has appointed Mark Farrar as its new Chief Financial Officer.
Mark will take up the role on 10 November, following the departure of David Skinner, who retired in August having steered the association’s financial operations for the past 16 years.
A qualified accountant, Mark has wide ranging finance, strategic and operational experience, gained over 25 years across both the public and private sectors.
He joins Hightown from 7,800-home housing association Origin Housing, where he is Executive Director of Finance, Technology, Data and Change. During his time at Origin, he helped guide the association through a period of financial challenges whilst building financial resilience and progressing its merger with Places for People.
Previously Mark worked as Executive Director of Resources at Thrive Homes, with responsibility for Finance, Treasury, Income Collection and Procurement. His first appointment in the housing sector was at bpha, which he joined after 15 years at Tesco, where he provided financial support and insight across many areas of the business.
Maxine Espley MBE, Hightown CEO, commented:
“Mark brings a wealth of experience from both within and beyond the housing sector and I am delighted he will be joining us as CFO. Alongside the Executive Leadership Team, Mark will play a pivotal role in enabling Hightown to continue to achieve our strategic objectives, to deliver much-needed social housing and care and support services, as well as investing in our existing homes and enhancing our customer offer.”
Mark Farrar added:
“I am delighted to be joining the team at Hightown. The role represents a huge opportunity for me to improve the lives of individuals and families in an area I grew up in and build on the great work of my predecessor. Working with Hightown’s Executive Leadership Team and Board, I look forward to helping shape and deliver Hightown’s corporate strategy.”
Tony Blewitt, Interim Executive Director of Finance, will continue to provide senior financial support to Hightown until Mark commences in post.
