Executive Team

Chris Smith

Chief Executive Officer

Chris joined Foundation Housing in September 2014 from a statutory investment fund where he held various senior and executive roles in Portfolio Management and General Management. Chris has extensive experience in completing a range of commercial transactions, including establishing new businesses, acquisitions, joint ventures and management agreements.

Chris has a longstanding interest in working for better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and those more broadly within the community. Chris recognises the significance of Foundation Housings’ role in managing significant housing infrastructure and wants to make a positive impact on communities across WA. Chris sits on the Board of the Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA).

As CEO of Foundation Housing, Chris is responsible for managing Foundation Housing’s strategic priorities in line with policies determined by the Board. Chris is assisted by an experienced executive team which works to ensure Foundation Housing meets its corporate and strategic objectives.

Jeremy Jacobs

Chief Financial Officer, Company Secretary

Jeremy is an experienced finance executive, specialising in the provision of commercial management, and business & corporate strategy. He has worked across a diverse range of industries including not-for-profit, aged care, consulting, banking, and finance. Prior to joining Foundation Housing, Jeremy was Director Corporate Services at VCS Ltd, a Director in KPMG’s Health, Ageing & Human Services division, Head of Finance Strategy at Ansell Strategic, and led the Internal Investments department at Bankwest.

Jeremy has also served as a Board Member within the not-for-profit sector and is currently Chair of an aged care provider in WA.

Jeremy has responsibility for Foundation Housing’s finance, treasury, risk, governance, IT, and company secretarial functions.

Kerryn Edwards

General Manager (Operations)

Kerryn Edwards has responsibility for Foundation Housing’s housing operations including tenant services, community services including tenant support and engagement, congregate living, allocations, regional managements and the organisation’s affordable housing and fee for service activities. Kerryn also manages the community and business development team, spanning stakeholder engagement, communications and specialist housing projects.

Kerryn has worked in community housing for over 25 years, including 12 years in senior management at a large London based housing association, private consulting across Australia and the past ten years at Foundation Housing in various roles.

Stuart Duplock

General Manager (Commercial Development)

Stuart Duplock has almost three decades’ experience spanning the residential, commercial, retail, industrial and tourism sectors. Prior to his career in property, he spent 10 years in corporate advisory in Australia and the United Kingdom.

Stuart has responsibility for Foundation Housing’s acquisitions, development, and property services.