Organ Rejection in Leadership: Tackling the Premature Departure of GEM Talent
Speakers
Olu Olanrewaju
Director of Altair International
With over 30 years of experience in the housing industry, Olu Olanrewaju, Director of Altair International, has left a significant imprint on both the UK and the global stage. Throughout his career, he has assumed pivotal roles as Chair, CEO and Executive Director with major developers and managers of affordable housing in the UK.
At Altair, Olu spearheads the international business stream, specialising in crafting bespoke solutions that directly address challenges in housing and placemaking across the globe. His leadership and expertise are instrumental in instigating positive transformations for our clients, providing comprehensive support to achieve growth, resilience, and efficiency in this dynamic sector.
Beyond Altair, Olu’s leadership extends to various roles. He is the co-founder and Chair of Leadership2025, currently serving as Chair for a medium-sized property company in the UK. His expertise has also been channelled as a Board Director for both profit and not-for-profit institutions. Additionally, Olu is a co-founder and investor in The African Housing Company (TAHCO), a green affordable housing development company operating in sub-Saharan Africa. He is also the Chair of Business Launchpad, a charity that provides entrepreneurial skills to young people in London.
Tom Murtha
Ex CEO Midland Heart
Tom began and ended his life as a campaigner for equality and social justice.
In between he enjoyed a rewarding career in social housing starting as a community worker in the inner city of Leicester and finishing up as the chief executive of Midland Heart then one of the largest housing associations in the U.K.
Tom has also chaired a number of housing associations and charitable trusts including HACT. He has often served as a statutory appointee to boards to help resolve regulatory issues.
Throughout his career Tom has campaigned tirelessly to challenge racism and prejudice in the sector.
In recent years Tom has shied away from awards but he was pleased to accept a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 and a Honorary Doctorate from the University of Birmingham in 2009 in recognition of his leadership in the sector.
Tom is now officially retired but occasionally comments on social housing and other issues.
Sandy Sohal
Associate Director, Ethos Farm
Sandy is an accomplished leader with a strong track record in navigating complex, regulated environments and delivering large-scale programmes. Her expertise spans customer experience strategy, operational efficiency, and organisational transformation across sectors such as transport, aviation, housing, and healthcare.
In her previous roles, Sandy led the Elizabeth Line’s customer experience strategy at Transport for London (TfL), collaborating with Crossrail Ltd and train operators to deliver a world-class service. At Heathrow, she developed the airport’s first service standards, and at Eurostar, she focused on customer experience transformation and operational efficiency. At The Guinness Partnership, she introduced a new operating model, modernised services, and enhanced customer experience.
Sandy is also passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She has led numerous inclusion projects, including writing an anti-racism toolkit for Inclusive Employers, adopted by over 200 organisations.
Currently, Sandy works at Ethos Farm, a consultancy specialising in customer and employee experience, and serves as Trustee and Board EDI Lead at Brook, driving customer-focused change and sustainable results.
TBC
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Date: 8th April 2025
Time: 10:00AM – 12:30PM
Venue: TBC
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