Boris Worrall has had a fascinating and varied career which has led him to become chief executive of Rooftop Housing Group.

The B!G Interviews are sponsored by Cheltenham-based IT solutions company Infrastar.

Before being appointed to head up Rooftop six years ago, Berlin-born Boris worked as the crime correspondent on the Birmingham Evening Mail, and then for the National Crime Squad in media relations, which he says "was like working in a James Bond movie".

He has also worked for the Criminal Cases Review Commission reviewing miscarriages of justice before moving into the housing association sector.

Although based in Evesham, Rooftop does a lot of work in Gloucestershire and has recently signed a deal with Gloucester City Council to build 300 homes on derelict land at St Oswald's Park at the back of Tesco.

Boris said: "This is a big project for us. We're going to need to get planning permission on it in the next 12 months. But we are absolutely delighted to be bringing new homes for rent, for shared ownership and for private sale in what is a fantastic location. It's pretty much the biggest development we've ever done."

Rooftop's other Gloucestershire projects include those at Black Dog Way, Gloucester, affordable homes in Bishop's Cleeve and a number of smaller schemes with Gloucester Diocese.

Boris added: "We are not for profit, we borrow for the markets and we get funding from Homes England who have been phenomenal and the support from the city has been great.

"That's what housing associations are there to do - to pick up where there isn't enough profit from the private sector to fly solo. That's when we can come in to make stuff happen with a bit of backing from the government and the city."

Doing so much work in Gloucestershire, Boris said he has come to know and love the city and the county.

"Personally and professionally, I'm delighted that we are going to bring several tens of millions of pounds of investment into the city but also address the housing crisis which is acute at the moment.

It's great to be part of a city that's moving forward."

He added: "I've had a very lucky and interesting career. Rooftop has given me a wonderful career - lots of challenges but also brilliant experiences."

The B!G Interviews coming up include:

• John Trolan, CEO of The Nelson Trust
• Simon Wright of No1 the Cotswolds Café/antique centre
• Ori Hellerstein, CEO and founder of The Artisan Baker

Punchline's The B!G Interviews are sponsored by Cheltenham-based IT solutions company Infrastar.

Working with SMEs, public and private sector organisations and government bodies across the UK, Infrastar's IT experts are committed to helping you overcome problems and maximise productivity through exceptional IT solutions.

Over the years the company has built a dedicated team of IT specialists. Infrastar is also a key sponsor of the No Child Left Behind awards.

For more information on Infrastar, call 01242 303720, email info@infrastar.co.uk  or visit infrastar.co.uk