McLaughlin moves to GL Hearn

Deborah McLaughlin, executive director of the Homes & Communities Agency in the North West, is to take a position as head of Capita subsidiary GL Hearn in Manchester, with a national remit for housing strategy and delivery.

At the HCA, McLaughlin had responsibility for supporting local authorities in the North to meet economic growth and regeneration priorities.

She was instrumental in the delivery of many large investment schemes in the region, including the substantial affordable housing programme, the rebirth of Ancoats in Manchester, working with partners to deliver the Preston & Lancashire City Deal and the expansion of the Omega site near Warrington.

Her team at the HCA also supported the redevelopment of Kings Dock in Liverpool, Wirral Waters and the restoration of the Lancaster Moor heritage site.

McLaughlin recently completed a 12-month secondment as chief executive of Manchester Place, a collaboration between Manchester City Council and the HCA. It was launched in July with the aim of creating a pipeline of development ready sites to help the city meet its target of creating 55,000 new homes by 2027. During her time at Manchester Place she oversaw the launch of the £300m housing investment fund.

She said: “GL Hearn and Capita has a strong track record of bringing public and private sector partners together to deliver outstanding real estate solutions. I am looking forward to assembling new investment propositions and forging the stronger collaborations and partnerships required to achieve the increased housing delivery needed across the UK.”

She is due to join GL Hearn in November.