Calum Mercer leaves Circle

Published by 24publishing for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Central Government, Local Government

The executive director of finance at one of the UK’s largest housing associations has left the organisation.

Calum Mercer has left 65,000-home Circle to take forward a private equity opportunity and work with several other organisations in a non-executive and advisory capacity, the landlord announced earlier this month.

Mr Mercer joined the organisation in 2006 - a year after Circle 33 Housing Group and Anglia Housing Group merged to form Circle Anglia.

During his six years at Circle, he helped achieve its notable success in the capital markets and presided over huge growth which has seen the organisation welcome five of the now nine registered providers that make up the Circle group structure.

One of Circle’s senior finance directors, Francesco Elia, has been appointed as interim executive director of finance.

Mr Mercer said the decision had been a very difficult one to make but having secured Circle's long term funding and consolidated its position as the third largest group in the sector, was “now looking forward to working with a wider range of organisations which make a difference to people's lives”.

Circle CEO Mark Rogers: said: “I would like to thank Calum for leading the Group's finance function to such a sector leading position and playing a key role in leading our phenomenal growth and financial security. We wish Calum all the best and once again thank him for his considerable contribution to our success.”