James O’Connor joins Valleys to Coast from housing, care and support provider Codi Group (picture: Valleys to Coast)

Welsh landlord Valleys to Coast Group has appointed James O’Connor as its new executive director of finance and transformation.

He moves on from seven years at Newport-based housing, care and support provider Codi Group, where he held several roles, most recently as director of corporate finance and sustainability.

Valleys to Coast said Mr O’Connor will bring “a wealth” of leadership experience and expertise in strategic change, financial governance and organisational improvement.

The association manages more than 6,000 affordable homes across Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taf, plus a portfolio of commercial properties and leasehold flats. It was set up in 2003 as the first large-scale voluntary transfer of council-owned homes to a social housing association in Wales.

In February, Valleys to Coast was one of five landlords to benefit from £45m in loans from the Welsh government to fund social rent, intermediate rent and shared ownership homes across South Wales.

The landlord said Mr O’Connor’s appointment came at an “important moment” for the organisation, as it launches a new corporate plan for 2026-31 and targets a period of growth.

The new plan sets out a strategy to move from traditional to data-driven work practices. The association is also expanding across South Wales and launching a new development subsidiary, Sylfaen.

Mr O’Connor will be responsible for overseeing the group’s financial strategy and lead a transformation agenda, the organisation said in a statement.

His focus will be on “building financial strength, modernising systems and ensuring resources are used effectively to enable reinvestment” into homes and communities.

Mr O’Connor said he was “delighted to be joining Valleys to Coast Group at such an exciting time”.

He added: “Their ambition has a clear, heartfelt commitment to making a positive difference in people’s lives and communities.

“I look forward to working alongside the team to build on their strong foundations, drive innovation and help guide the organisation through its next chapter of growth and service excellence.”

Joanne Oak, chief executive of Valleys to Coast, said: “We are thrilled to welcome James to our team. He brings experience, energy and fresh thinking that will help us build our financial strength.

“Most importantly, he shares our wholehearted commitment to our people and to making a lasting, positive difference in the communities we serve,” she added.

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South Wales landlord appoints new finance and transformation director