Approved housing body Clúid has announced the appointment of Averil Power as its incoming Chief Executive Officer.   

Power will take up the role of CEO in November.

The appointment follows a rigorous competitive recruitment process led by the Clúid Board and managed by the executive search firm Odgers Berndtson.

Power has been Chief Executive of the Irish Cancer Society since January 2018 and has previously worked as Chief Executive of the Asthma Society, while also serving as a senator and political adviser.   

Current Clúid Chief Executive, Brian O’Gorman, stated, “Averil is an accomplished leader and advocate for an inclusive and equitable Irish society, most recently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Cancer Society.

“Under her leadership, the Irish Cancer Society has doubled its income from Daffodil Day and other key campaigns, enabling record growth in the number of people benefiting from its services and research.

“She has also used her political experience to deliver changes in government investment and policy that have been of enormous benefit to people affected by cancer. 

With a staff of 380 dedicated, highly qualified employees, Clúid owns and manages over 13,000 properties, providing a secure and affordable home to 33,000 residents.

Clúid launched its Annual Report last wee,k where it reported delivery of 1,525 new social and Cost Rental homes in 2024 and it is on track to deliver more than 1,000 homes in 2025, for the fourth year in succession.

“Averil has a deep personal commitment to equality and social justice, as evident from her previous leadership on issues such as educational disadvantage, marriage equality and the rights of adoptees to know their original identities,” O’Gorman continued.

“Her commitment to Clúid’s social mission, her vision for inclusive and sustainable growth, and her appreciation for the strength and talent already present across our organisation, underlines my confidence that Clúid is in safe hands as the organisation embarks on its next stage of development.”  

Commenting on her appointment, Power said, “Having grown up in social housing, I know firsthand the lifeline it provides to people who could not afford to rent or buy privately.

“I have also seen through my work as a public representative and charity leader the negative impact lack of a secure home is having on the mental and physical health of children and adults across Ireland.

“Clúid is working to change this through its advocacy and by directly delivering record numbers of social, affordable and age friendly homes.   

“Clúid’s vision of an Ireland where everyone has a great place to live resonates deeply with me.

“I look forward to working with Clúid’s staff, residents and partners to deliver that vision. Together, we will ensure more people have a secure place to call home in a community that is welcoming, inclusive and vibrant.”