SGCH is pleased to announce the appointment of Debi Marriott-Lavery as its new Chief Executive Officer. 

An experienced leader in the social and affordable housing sector, Ms Marriott-Lavery has a track record of delivering large-scale projects and leading teams to operational and financial excellence. 

Her insights and expertise — developed over two decades in the UK’s social care and housing sectors, with hands-on involvement in building mixed-tenure communities (including build-to-rent and supported housing) — will strengthen SGCH’s strategic execution. She will officially begin her new role in June. 

“Debi has deep housing expertise and is a thought leader in the sector. Her experience includes bringing together private capital and capability with public authorities and developers to provide housing for thousands across the UK. The Board looks forward to putting her experience to work to advance SGCH’s strategy,” said SGCH Chair Karen Orvad. 

Currently CEO at Magenta Living — which manages 13,000 social and affordable housing properties in the North West of England — Ms Marriott-Lavery’s recent experience aligns closely with SGCH’s operations. 

Before joining Magenta, she was Group Executive Director for Affordable and Supported Housing at Places for People, overseeing 77,000 properties and a turnover of £400 million. Under her leadership, the organisation established a strategic focus on mixed communities, combining social, private, and shared-ownership housing. 

Ms Marriott-Lavery has successfully integrated multiple business operations into a single, customer-focused organisation, delivered major development programs, secured government and investor partnerships, and driven investment in existing communities to deliver efficient and high-quality service outcomes.

Her previous roles include Managing Director of Community Services at Care UK and Chief Operating Officer at Anchor Trust, England’s largest provider of specialist housing for older people. 

“The Australian housing market presents some of the most exciting opportunities worldwide; it’s an ideal setting to create new partnerships that drive innovation and sustainable growth in SGCH’s portfolio while ensuring we care for our existing homes and customers with the attention they deserve. 

“The prospect of collaborating with new colleagues, investors, developers, partners, and customers to build diverse, vibrant communities really excites me. It’s about creating great places where people thrive and stay connected — a vision that fuels my passion for creating meaningful change and driving an even bigger, braver and bolder future for SGCH. I can’t wait to get started,” Ms Marriott-Lavery said. 

Ms Orvad added that Ms Marriott-Lavery’s leadership approach aligns with SGCH’s commitment to delivering housing with “a business head and a social heart.” 

“In addition to her corporate talent, Debi has a genuine passion for the people our housing serves. Her values mirror our commitment to positive social impact and our vision of building great places where people thrive in connected communities,” Ms Orvad said. 

“Debi joins an excellent and experienced Executive Leadership Team at SGCH. The ELT’s decades’ worth of collective experience in social and affordable housing has been invaluable in ensuring the continuity of SGCH’s strategic priorities. 

“The Board would especially like to acknowledge Joe Achmar’s valuable contribution as Acting Group CEO and his critical ongoing role in ensuring SGCH’s business continues as usual,” Ms Orvad concluded. 

Mr Achmar will remain Acting Group CEO until Ms Marriott-Lavery officially commences as permanent Group CEO, ensuring a seamless transition to new leadership and continued momentum in delivering SGCH’s strategy. 

Media contact

Adrian Nesbitt
0414 321 407
adrian.nesbitt@sgch.com.au