Metropolitan Thames Valley appoints new Chair of the Board, Althea Efunshile CBE

Metropolitan Thames Valley (MTVH) has announced the appointment of a new Chair of the Board. Althea Efunshile CBE will assume the position on the 1st March 2020, taking over from the current Chair Paula Kahn, who will step down at the end of February.

Althea says

“I’m delighted to be joining MTVH as Chair. Housing is a fundamental matter of social justice, and MTVH’s belief that everyone should have a home and the chance to live well, is absolutely right. I’m looking forward to meeting fellow board members, staff, tenants and stakeholders, and to playing a part in helping address one of the hugest social challenges of our time.”

Althea has had a 40 year public sector career, during which she has gained extensive senior leadership & management experience in education, children’s services and culture. She has worked at both local and national levels of government.

Althea has been Deputy Chief Executive at Arts Council England; a Senior Civil Servant within the Department of Education employed in various Director level roles all aimed at improving outcomes for disadvantaged and socially excluded children; and Executive Director of Education & Culture in the London Borough of Lewisham. She began her career as a secondary school teacher and youth worker.  She currently holds a small number of Non-Executive Director roles, including at  University College London  Hospitals (UCLH) and Channel 4, and is the Chair of Ballet Black.  Althea was awarded a CBE in the 2016 birthday honours.

Paula Kahn, current Chair of MTVH, says

“I am delighted that Althea will be my successor at MTVH. I have been so impressed by her commitment to and passion for social justice. She has shown herself to be influential, and rigorous in her approach to senior roles. Alongside this is her unflinching advocacy for a more diverse and inclusive workplace. I wish her every success.” Paula served as Chair of the Board of Metropolitan Housing Trust for over 5 years, before assuming the position of Chair of MTVH following the merger with Thames Valley Housing in October 2018.

Geeta Nanda, Chief Executive at MTVH says

“Althea will be joining MTVH at a time when we are really focusing on the future; transforming our services to residents and customers, providing new homes and creating great places to live, all while ensuring our effectiveness as an organisation. I’m very excited to work with her, and draw on her experience and expertise as we continue to build our new organisation.”