The Association for Rental Living (ARL) has announced the appointment of more than a dozen rental living sector experts as Special Advisors to the organisation. In total, 14 sector leaders and innovators have been appointed as of the ARL Annual General Meeting on 26th November 2024, with two further appointments expected shortly.
As the membership body for all institutionally backed, professionally managed purpose-built rental living sectors, the ARL plays a crucial role in amplifying and unifying the sectors’ voice. Its vision to elevate rental living, pioneering good quality, professionally managed rental homes, is delivered on behalf of more than 350 organisations across the rental living ecosystem.
The newly appointed Special Advisors will provide strategic, expert insights to guide the ARL’s growth and impact. They will offer counsel to the organisation’s leadership, contribute to sector knowledge, and provide valuable perspectives, contacts and knowledge to drive the ARL’s success.
The Special Advisors will be in post for a two-year renewable term. Their appointment aligns with the refreshing of the ARL Non-Executive Board in November 2024, as part of the organisation’s strategic repositioning for its acceleration in growth and influence over the coming years.
Those appointed to the Special Advisor roles include:
- Innovation: Iain Murray (Bidwells)
- ESG: Sowgol Zarinchang (Way of Life)
- Marketing, Communications and PR: Carina Ackrill (Centrick)
- Supplier Champion: Graham Bates (Fika Interiors)
- Business Development and Growth: Hannah Marsh (HomeViews)
- Regional Champion: Dougie Orton-Wade (Dandara)
- Planning and Design: John Badman (Gensler)
- Construction, Contractors and Housebuilders: Paul Belfield (Rund)
- Public Affairs and Partnerships: James Pargeter (Global Apartment Advisors)
- Industry Standards, Building Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Bela Zavery (Womble Bond Dickinson)
- Operator Champion: Richard Smith (Moda)
- Commercial and Governance: Jon Clark (Touchstone)
- Later Living Champion: Emma Trinder (ETG Consulting)
- International Engagement: Andrew Yates (DLA Piper)
Recruitment is underway for two additional roles, with the ARL seeking Special Advisors in Technology and Education, Training and Careers.
In addition to providing expert strategic advice and insights to the ARL CEO and Board, the Special Advisors will assist in the development and review of ARL policies and positions on key issues, with associated advocacy strategies and efforts. They will undertake research and analysis and work on a range of special projects and initiatives. Their innovation, creativity and liaison with external stakeholders will support the growth of the ARL and its membership while helping drive excellence in organisational practices across the residential living sector.
“We are thrilled to welcome such a strategically focused group of experts to the ARL, in the capacity of Special Advisors. As the ARL drives forward key issues impacting all rental living sector stakeholders, the knowledge, insights and support of our Special Advisors will be invaluable.” Brendan Geraghty, CEO, ARL
