HomeStart names next CFO

HomeStart Finance (HomeStart) has filled its chief financial officer vacancy, naming Braden Naylor as the latest appointment to the position.

Mr Naylor steps into the role after Andrew Mills’ recent departure, who became the South Australian government-backed lender’s chief executive in December following long-time CEO John Oliver’s decision to end his 12-year tenure.

Mr Oliver’s decision to step aside was said to be driven by a wish to move out of “full-time corporate life”.

HomeStart has said Mr Naylor brings more than 20 years of experience within senior finance, commercial and strategy roles with both government and major utility bodies. 

From 2016 to 2022, he was the finance director of South Australian government-owned urban developer Renewal SA. 

Prior to this, Mr Naylor served as the manager corporate finance with SA Water from 2009 to 2016, as well as being the senior accountant – external reporting for SA Health from 2005 to 2007. 

Since November 2019, he has been the chair of the board of management for the disability not-for-profit HomePlace.

Mr Naylor was also named a divisional councillor with the accountant body CPA Australia in October 2021. 

Mr Mills commented that Mr Naylor’s experience will be “invaluable” to HomeStart as the lender seeks to “expand its reach to help more South Australians into their own home”.

In late January, the South Australian government confirmed that during the 2022 financial year alone, there were then already more than 200 government-backed property loans – all of which were administered through HomeStart.

“Sound financial management underpins our reputation as a responsible lender and prudent financial manager, which continues to deliver significant returns to the South Australian community and government,” Mr Mills added.  

Mr Naylor commenced his role on 21 February. 

[Related: Hundreds take up SA state-backed home loan scheme]