Defence Housing Australia Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Defence Housing Australia has 5 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, operational management, property development, and human capital management.

Committed to supporting military families, Defence Housing Australia delivers high-quality residential solutions while providing secure investment opportunities through long-term property leasing and strategic land development across the Australian market.

Leadership Roles at Defence Housing Australia

  • Chief Financial Officer - Paul Groenewegen
  • Chief Financial Officer, Dewputy - Robert Groom
  • Chief Operating Officer - Lisa Barlin
  • Chief Operations Officer - Peter Howman
  • Chief People Officer - Eline Martinsen
  • Paul Groenewegen - Chief Financial Officer

    Paul Groenewegen, the Chief Financial Officer at Defence Housing Australia, directs all fiscal planning and capital allocation strategies. Overseeing the financial health of the organization, the Chief Financial Officer ensures robust reporting standards and long-term economic stability for property investment portfolios. This leadership role involves managing complex budgetary requirements associated with large-scale housing developments and maintenance programs. By optimizing capital structures, Paul Groenewegen directly impacts the ability of the company to provide fair market rent solutions for Defence members. The Chief Financial Officer maintains rigorous oversight of internal audits and risk management frameworks to protect stakeholder interests. Through precise financial modeling, Groenewegen supports the expansion of housing inventory across diverse regional markets. This executive leadership ensures that every investment decision aligns with the broader mission of delivering reliable, high-quality residential services to military families while maintaining sustainable growth trajectories for the entire enterprise.

    Robert Groom - Chief Financial Officer, Dewputy

    Robert Groom, the Chief Financial Officer, Dewputy at Defence Housing Australia, supports the development of financial policies and investment analysis. Overseeing the evaluation of property acquisition opportunities, the Chief Financial Officer, Dewputy ensures that all land development projects align with long-term fiscal objectives. This leadership role involves monitoring market trends to identify viable investment pathways for property owners partnering with the organization. By conducting detailed financial assessments, Robert Groom directly impacts the accuracy of revenue forecasting and cost management strategies. The Chief Financial Officer, Dewputy collaborates with internal teams to refine the financial performance of the leasing portfolio. Through meticulous analysis of market data, Groom strengthens the economic foundation of the company. This executive leadership ensures that the organization maintains a competitive edge in the real estate sector while providing consistent value to investors and Defence clients through disciplined financial stewardship and strategic resource allocation.

    Lisa Barlin - Chief Operating Officer

    Lisa Barlin, the Chief Operating Officer at Defence Housing Australia, manages the daily execution of property management services and client support operations. Overseeing the delivery of housing solutions, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all residential properties meet the specific needs of Defence members and their families. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional teams to maintain high occupancy rates and property standards across the national portfolio. By streamlining operational workflows, Lisa Barlin directly impacts the efficiency of service delivery and client satisfaction levels. The Chief Operating Officer drives continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the quality of housing stock and the responsiveness of maintenance teams. Through strategic oversight of property lifecycle management, Barlin secures the operational integrity of the entire housing network. This executive leadership ensures that the organization remains agile in responding to the evolving residential requirements of the Defence community while maintaining operational excellence.

    Peter Howman - Chief Operations Officer

    Peter Howman, the Chief Operations Officer at Defence Housing Australia, architects the strategic development of land and housing infrastructure. Overseeing the acquisition and construction phases, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that new residential projects meet strict quality and sustainability benchmarks. This leadership role involves managing relationships with developers and contractors to expand the housing footprint in high-demand regions. By implementing innovative construction methodologies, Peter Howman directly impacts the speed and cost-effectiveness of project delivery. The Chief Operations Officer coordinates with cross-functional teams to integrate new properties into the existing management framework. Through proactive planning and site selection, Howman drives the growth of the housing portfolio to accommodate the needs of Defence personnel. This executive leadership ensures that the organization successfully scales its physical assets while maintaining the high standards required for military housing across the national landscape.

    Eline Martinsen - Chief People Officer

    Eline Martinsen, the Chief People Officer at Defence Housing Australia, directs human capital strategy and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing talent acquisition and professional development, the Chief People Officer ensures that the workforce possesses the expertise required to manage complex property and housing services. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive environment that supports the mission of serving Defence members. By implementing performance management systems, Eline Martinsen directly impacts employee engagement and operational productivity. The Chief People Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align workforce capabilities with the strategic goals of the company. Through the design of comprehensive training programs, Martinsen strengthens the internal capacity to handle large-scale property operations. This executive leadership ensures that the organization attracts and retains top-tier talent capable of delivering exceptional service to clients while maintaining a high-performance culture that drives the overall success of the business.
    Eline Martinsen

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Defence Housing Australia Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Defence Housing Australia?
    Defence Housing Australia is led by Paul Groenewegen (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Robert Groom (Chief Financial Officer, Dewputy) and Lisa Barlin (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Defence Housing Australia’s executive team?
    The executive team of Defence Housing Australia includes leaders such as Paul Groenewegen (Chief Financial Officer), Robert Groom (Chief Financial Officer, Dewputy), Lisa Barlin (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Defence Housing Australia have?
    Defence Housing Australia has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Defence Housing Australia’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Defence Housing Australia includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Dewputy, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Chief People Officer.