Housing Finance Agency Appoints Deirdre Collier as Chief Executive Officer
The Housing Finance Agency (HFA), the public sector body dedicated to providing financing to support the delivery of social and affordable homes, has announced the appointment of Deirdre Collier as Chief Executive Officer.
Ms Collier has extensive experience in business management, corporate banking, real estate finance, restructuring and international lending and a deep understanding of the social and affordable housing sector. In this new role, she will lead the HFA in its mission to facilitate the delivery of social and affordable housing by Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies and Higher Education Institutions.
Welcoming Ms Collier’s appointment, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, said:
‘’I welcome the appointment of Deirdre Collier as Chief Executive Officer of the Housing Finance Agency.
“Deirdre’s wealth of experience and leadership across sectors will no doubt grow and reinforce the HFA’s pivotal role in financing and supporting the delivery of social and affordable housing. The scale of Housing Finance Agency funding has been a key enabler to securing a strong housing supply pipeline with financing approvals in the first half of this year alone facilitating the delivery of over 3,000 new homes.”
Ms Collier joins the HFA with over 20 years of experience in the financial services sector, having most recently held the role of Chief Finance Officer at Clúid Housing. She has previously held senior roles in KBC Bank Ireland and Ulster Bank, and served as a Non-Executive Director with the Housing Finance Agency from May 2022 to May 2023.
Commenting on the new appointment, HFA Chairperson, Mr Frank Allen, said:
“The Board of the HFA welcomes Deirdre Collier’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer. Deirdre has an impressive track record in finance, a strong knowledge of the sector’s needs and a deep commitment to increasing the supply of high-quality affordable housing for all.
Having previously served as a Director with the HFA, and as Chief Finance Officer of Clúid Housing, she is acutely aware of the challenges, as well as the opportunities, within the sector. Deirdre will now lead the HFA through an exciting period of growth and expansion. Last year we advanced a total of €1.2 billion to customers and lending for the first six months of 2024 was up almost 50% on the same period last year.
I have no doubt under Deirdre’s leadership, and with the support of an excellent team, the HFA will continue to thrive and play a pivotal role in the delivery of social and affordable housing.
I also want to take the opportunity to commend the work of Deirdre’s predecessor, Barry O’Leary, who retired in June after more than a decade as CEO of the Housing Finance Agency. Barry guided the agency through some challenging times and led it into the current period of growth, building a strong reputation for the HFA as a supportive funding partner.”
Commenting on her appointment, Deirdre Collier said:
“I am honoured to join the HFA during this crucial time for the sector and am grateful to both the Minister and the Board of the HFA for appointing me to this important role. Access to secure and affordable housing is a fundamental pillar of a thriving society, and I look forward to collaborating with the team, our customers, and our stakeholders to expand access to affordable homes, enhance financing options, and to enable the creation of stronger, more resilient communities.
I know from my time as a Director on the HFA’s Board that I am joining a dedicated and talented team. I am confident I can use the skills and experiences I have gained in the financial services sector, as well as from my time working in the affordable housing sector, to maintain the excellent service the team provides and build on their success to date.”
Under Ms Collier’s leadership, the HFA will continue to focus on sustainable financing solutions that support the delivery of social and affordable homes. The agency is committed to its role as a vital partner to Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies and Higher Education Institutions.
The HFA has reported an increase of more than 200% in financing approvals in the first half of 2024, with €861.5 million approved for housing bodies to facilitate the delivery of 3,194 new homes.
About Deirdre Collier:
- A Chartered Accountant (FCA), she holds an MBA from UCD, a Diploma in Corporate Governance from the Institute of Directors and a Professional Certificate in Responsible & Sustainable Finance.
- She served as a Non-Executive Director with the Housing Finance Agency from May 2022 to May 2023.
- Her most recent role was as Chief Finance Officer of Clúid Housing.
- Previously Head of Commercial Real Estate and Large Corporates at KBC Bank Ireland plc.
- Also worked as a Consultant for KPMG, as well as in a senior manager role with Ulster Bank Ireland Limited.
