Former Civitas CEO Paul Bridge Joins Caridon
6th March 2025
Caridon Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Bridge as Group Business Development Director. Paul brings over three decades of experience in the social housing sector, notably serving as co founder Chief Executive Officer (social housing) at Civitas Investment Management, the UK's largest social housing Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) until its sale to CK Asset Management in 2023.
During his tenure at Civitas, Paul was instrumental in launching the groundbreaking social housing REIT in 2016, aimed at providing long-term, index-linked income for investors while addressing funding pressures in the social housing sector. Under his leadership, Civitas grew to manage over £3.5 billion in assets through a number of funds and became a key player in sustainable and socially responsible investment in housing, healthcare, education and social infrastructure.
Prior to Civitas, Paul served as Chief Executive of Homes for Haringey, overseeing 1200 staff, 23000 homes and leading a £250 million investment program. The organisation was awarded ‘Housing Organisation of the Year’ in 2012 and gained Investors in People Gold. Paul also held a directorial position at Hyde Group, a major G15 Housing Association, contributing to housing services for over 95,000 customers.
Throughout his career, Paul has led large-scale regeneration projects across the UK, driving social, economic, and physical transformation. He has held various non-executive roles, including Chairman of Thames Valley Charitable Housing Association, where he helped establish a successful private rental sector business backed by institutional investment. He also served as a board member of MTVH, one of the UK’s largest housing associations, and the Housing Forum. As co-founder of a leading sector think tank, Paul has contributed extensively to discussions on social housing and policy.
Paul has recently been instrumental in founding the Clive Smith Foundation which seeks to improve mental health and tackle the stigma of suicide in the housing sector.
In his new role at Caridon Group, Paul will focus on expanding the company's portfolio, forging strategic partnerships, and driving innovative housing initiatives that enhance service delivery and support communities in need.
Commenting on Paul’s appointment, Mario Carrozzo, CEO of Caridon Group, said:
“We are truly honoured to welcome Paul to the Caridon family. His extensive experience and visionary leadership in the social housing sector and significant social impact investing align perfectly with our mission to provide innovative housing solutions and drive meaningful change. Paul's track record speaks for itself, and we are confident that his expertise will drive Caridon’s growth, expand our impact, and strengthen our commitment to supporting communities across the UK. Working alongside myself, Paul will play a key role in delivering our business plan of reaching 10,000 homes for those most in need, ensuring we continue to make a lasting difference where it matters most.”
Paul Bridge, Group Business Development Director, added:
"I am excited to join Caridon Group and look forward to contributing to its continued success.Caridon's dedication to addressing housing needs aligns with my passion for making a positive impact in the sector.Together, we will explore new opportunities to deliver sustainable and affordable housing solutions and socially impactful investment opportunities across a range of sectors.
Looking ahead, both Mario Carrozzo and Paul Bridge will be attending MIPIM 2025 in Cannes (11-14 March), where they will be meeting with industry leaders and exploring new opportunities for growth and innovation in the housing sector. This strategic appointment highlights Caridon Group's commitment to attracting top industry talent to drive its mission forward.