The National Housing Federation (NHF) has announced the appointment of a new executive director of finance and business services.
Irfan Umarji has previous held senior finance positions elsewhere in the non-profit sector, including at Save the Children UK, the Royal College of Physicians and The Royal Society.
Umarji, who comes from an accounting background, most recently worked as director of finance and operations at Impetus, a non-profit organisaition focused on young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
His appointment comes after Jackie Cunningham, who has held the role since 2017 and worked at the NHF for more than a decade, announced her retirement.
Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, said the role was important for “ensuring the ongoing strength and stability” of the organisation.
“Irfan’s extensive experience in working for membership organisations and the non-profit sector will be invaluable in supporting our governance, financial and operational goals,” she said.
“We are particularly excited about his passion for financial sustainability and his commitment.”
Umarji said he was delighted to join the organisation and said his previous roles had given him “a first-hand understanding of the importance of good quality social housing and the impact it has on people’s lives”.
“I aim to equip the NHF with the systems and long-term financial sustainability needed to deliver our important work and ensure we have a lasting impact,” he said.
