Lord Bob Kerslake

G15 members are today mourning the loss of Peabody Chair Lord Bob Kerslake, who passed away at the weekend following a short battle with cancer.

Tributes have poured in for Bob, who held numerous positions of note during his exceptional career, but always had a special passion for housing. From his time as the Chief Executive of the Homes & Communities Agency and permanent secretary at the Department for Communities and Local Government to his time as the Chair of Peabody, Bob worked tirelessly and with humanity to improve people’s lives.

Ian McDermott, Peabody Chief Executive and Vice Chair of G15, said:

“This is incredibly sad news, and all our thoughts are with Bob’s family at this difficult time. Those who knew him were truly inspired by his exceptional talent, strong work ethic, and above all, his humanity and kindness.

"He was a remarkable individual, and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to know him over the past two years. His absence will be deeply felt within Peabody and across the UK.

"We will do everything we can to honour Bob’s memory and to support our colleagues and friends in the weeks and months to come.”

Fiona Fletcher-Smith, L&Q Chief Executive and Chair of G15, said:

“On behalf of everyone within the G15, I would like to extend the deepest condolences to Bob’s family, friends and colleagues at Peabody.

“Bob was somebody I worked closely with over the years, and I know that his loss will be felt far and wide. The housing sector in particular has lost someone who made a genuine difference and leaves behind a tremendous legacy of achievement.”

Peabody’s Vice Chair, Ravi Rajagopal, is now Acting Chair of Peabody.