CONNEXUS - Key Persons


Abigail Reilly

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
AAbigail comes from a military background and has 15 years' experience at senior management level within Social Housing, including three years as Executive Director responsible for a wide portfolio including Organisational Development and Corporate Strategy, Performance and Planning.

Andrew Battrum

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
Andrew was the Finance Director of Bromford Housing Group for 17 years before retiring in 2016. In addition to his financial management and treasury expertise, he brings strong analytical skills and an ability to move easily between bigger picture and detailed thinking. He has experienced different ways of working at Bromford, which has broadened his thinking both in terms of organisational and Board operations.

Andrew Cooke

Job Titles:
  • Director of Resources
Andrew brings with him vast previous experience within the sector, including being the Executive Director of a midlands based housing, care and support organisation.

Andrew Taylor

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of Audit & Risk Committee
  • Member of the Board
Andrew operates as an independent consultant primarily specialising in the Social Housing sector. He is a qualified member of The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), with significant experience in all areas of risk, corporate governance, and stakeholder management. Andrew has experience in compliance controls, In-Depth Audit (IDA) preparation and key issues of relevance from a regulatory standpoint.

Christopher Skinner

Job Titles:
  • Property Surveyor

Duncan Forbes

Job Titles:
  • Interim CEO

Imran Patel

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Member of the Board
Imran is an experienced director in the telecoms sector with extensive experience driving results in large scale leadership roles, with a track record improving customer experience and increasing employee engagement. He has experience in collaborating with executives to successfully lead strategic change initiatives and new business ventures.

Maggie Punyer

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Lead Director With Ocean Media
As a lead Director with Ocean Media, Maggie has a good grasp of the key issues affecting the sector. She has gained further insight through many governance roles, notably in her current capacity as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Accent. With a good appreciation of regulation, risk, culture and governance control, Maggie also has a commercial background providing the strategic leadership needed at a governance level by Connexus.

Michele Ibbs - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • Chairman of the Board
Michele Ibbs has a background in commercial marketing and is an experienced non-executive director having held positions at The Marsden Building Society, The Ombudsman Service Limited, and the Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. As chair, Michele is responsible for the leadership of the board and committees as well as working with senior executive and management teams to determine the organisation's corporate priorities. Michele Ibbs joins Connexus as chair Connexus has welcomed Michele Ibbs as its new chair of the board.

Nicola de Iongh

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Chairman of Council at the University of Gloucestershire
  • Senior Independent Director & BM
Nicola serves as the Chair of Council at the University of Gloucestershire, a Trustee with Gloucestershire Counselling Service and Chair Designate for the Premier Miton Ethical Investment Fund reference committee. In her executive life, Nicola has a track record of delivering transformation and defining future vision, with a wealth of experience in management consulting and change management.

Nigel Smith

I was offered a good package, and was attracted to the consistent hours, holiday and pension offer...

Paul Hulme

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Interim Director of People
Paul brings 30 years of leadership experience with high profile organisations across a range of sectors including aviation, manufacturing, health and social housing,

Paul Smith

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
Paul is the Chief Executive of Elim Housing Group and a member of the Advisory Panel for the Housing Ombudsman. Paul has also served as the Chief Executive of two national charities, the Furniture Re-use Network and Housing Potential (the skills agency for housing).

Richard Woolley - CEO

Job Titles:
  • CEO
  • Chief Executive
  • Director
Richard has over 20 years' experience in the housing sector, gained with both Large Scale Voluntary Transfers (LSVTs) and traditional housing associations. Richard is responsible for ensuring Connexus meets all Health and Safety requirements. Richard Woolley is to leave Connexus later this year after 14 years with the organisation.

Sara Woodall - COO

Job Titles:
  • Director of Operations
Sara is a highly-motivated, dedicated and experienced customer service, repairs & maintenance, housing, asset management and community engagement professional with a track record of delivering excellent services. Sara has worked in the housing and social care sector for more than 30 years with almost 22 years skills, knowledge and experience at Director level including more than four years at CEO level within a complex Group structure. She has managed and motivated teams in all disciplines: across housing management, customer care, customer engagement, asset management, DLO's & repairs, community development, care & support services and health & well-being.

Simon Ewins

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
Simon's current role as Managing Director of Hotels & Restaurants at Whitbread Plc includes operational responsibilities for over £2bn annual turnover. Simon's many business strengths include a proven ability to lead the management of organisational growth ambitions. His life experiences, combined with family ties to Shropshire and Herefordshire, have given Simon a real passion for joining us on the Connexus journey.

Simon Gibbs

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
Simon has over 25 years of Board experience as a CEO/MD of both public and private companies across several sectors including property, retail, and media. He is a Chartered Accountant and has in-depth experience of treasury management and property development. Simon brings to Connexus a blend of commercial expertise within the housebuilding sector and an understanding of the social housing sector.

Steve Agger

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Interim Director of Property
Steve is an experienced housing professional working across a range of service areas including non-executive roles. A key driver and a passion for Steve is the quality and responsiveness of services to customers with our homes and stakeholders in the communities we serve.