Defence Housing Australia Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Defence Housing Australia has 5 executives leading key functions including operations, financial management, deputy financial oversight, human resources, and operational logistics.

Committed to supporting military families, Defence Housing Australia delivers high-quality residential solutions while providing secure investment opportunities through strategic property development and long-term leasing 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 People Officer - Eline Martinsen
  • Chief Operations Officer - Peter Howman
  • Paul Groenewegen - Chief Financial Officer

    Paul Groenewegen, the Chief Financial Officer at Defence Housing Australia, manages the fiscal health and long-term investment strategies of the organization. Overseeing capital allocation, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that property development initiatives remain financially viable while delivering competitive returns for investors. Groenewegen directs the financial reporting and risk management frameworks that underpin the company's lease arrangements. By analyzing market trends, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes the portfolio to maintain fair market rent structures. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the Board to align budgetary priorities with the overarching mission of supporting Defence members. Paul Groenewegen drives fiscal transparency and accountability across all departments, ensuring that the company maintains a robust balance sheet. Through the rigorous management of financial assets, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of housing solutions, ultimately strengthening the economic foundation required to sustain the long-term commitment to military families and property investors.

    Robert Groom - Chief Financial Officer, Dewputy

    Robert Groom, the Chief Financial Officer, Dewputy at Defence Housing Australia, supports the financial architecture and budgetary controls of the enterprise. Overseeing the daily accounting operations, the Chief Financial Officer, Dewputy ensures that all property investment transactions adhere to strict regulatory standards. Groom monitors cash flow and liquidity requirements to facilitate the acquisition of land for future housing developments. By providing detailed financial analysis, the Chief Financial Officer, Dewputy assists in the evaluation of long-term lease agreements and market rent adjustments. This leadership role involves managing internal audits and financial reporting systems to maintain organizational integrity. Robert Groom drives the implementation of cost-saving measures that improve operational efficiency across the national portfolio. Through the diligent oversight of these financial functions, the Chief Financial Officer, Dewputy enables the company to sustain its growth trajectory while providing consistent, high-value services to Defence members and the broader investor community.

    Lisa Barlin - Chief Operating Officer

    Lisa Barlin, the Chief Operating Officer at Defence Housing Australia, directs the daily execution of property management services for military personnel. Overseeing the national portfolio, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that housing assets meet rigorous quality standards while maintaining alignment with the broader organizational mission. Barlin manages the integration of property development projects with existing lease arrangements to optimize housing availability. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the efficiency of service delivery for Defence members and their families. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional teams to address housing demand across diverse Australian territories. Lisa Barlin drives operational excellence by implementing scalable systems that support long-term property maintenance and tenant satisfaction. Through the oversight of these critical functions, the Chief Operating Officer secures the stability of the housing supply chain, ensuring that the company consistently fulfills its mandate to provide reliable, high-quality residential solutions for the Defence community.

    Eline Martinsen - Chief People Officer

    Eline Martinsen, the Chief People Officer at Defence Housing Australia, directs the 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 portfolios. Martinsen designs programs that foster employee engagement and align staff performance with the company's mission of supporting Defence families. By implementing robust training frameworks, the Chief People Officer enhances the capability of teams to handle property development and leasing operations effectively. This leadership role involves managing internal communications and workplace policies that promote a high-performance environment. Eline Martinsen drives initiatives that prioritize diversity and inclusion, ensuring that the organization attracts top-tier talent across the Australian market. Through the strategic management of human resources, the Chief People Officer builds the organizational capacity necessary to deliver consistent, high-quality housing services while maintaining a focus on long-term employee retention and professional growth.
    Eline Martinsen

    Peter Howman - Chief Operations Officer

    Peter Howman, the Chief Operations Officer at Defence Housing Australia, manages the strategic logistics and infrastructure development required to expand the housing footprint. Overseeing the acquisition of land and the construction of new residential units, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that all projects meet the specific needs of Defence members. Howman directs the coordination between construction partners and property management teams to ensure seamless transitions for incoming tenants. By optimizing the supply chain for housing materials and services, the Chief Operations Officer improves the speed and quality of project delivery. This leadership role involves evaluating regional housing requirements to inform future development investments. Peter Howman drives the adoption of sustainable building practices that align with the company's long-term environmental and social goals. Through the oversight of these operational functions, the Chief Operations Officer secures the physical assets necessary to fulfill the company's commitment to providing secure, modern housing solutions for military families.

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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 People Officer, Chief Operations Officer.