Board changes at Southdown
Posted on 17 September 2026
We’re pleased to share some changes to Southdown’s Board as we continue to deliver our five-year Business Strategy and build on our ambition to make a positive difference for more people across Sussex.
At our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 16 September, we welcomed Jonathan Senker as our new Chair, alongside three new Board members. We also said a fond farewell and thank you to outgoing Chair Pauline Ford, and Board members Graeme Allinson and Jo Ellis, who have stepped down from the Board.
Welcoming our new Chair
As we shared in the summer, Jonathan Senker has been appointed as Southdown’s new Chair, succeeding Pauline Ford.
Jonathan joined Southdown’s Board in 2025 and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his new role. He will work with the Board, our colleagues and partners as we continue to deliver our Strategy and look ahead to the opportunities ahead.
Welcoming three new Board members
We’re delighted to welcome three new members to Southdown’s Board, who bring a broad range of experience, skills and perspectives.
- Francesca Okosi – Board Member and attending our People, Pay and Culture Committee: Francesca is a senior HR and organisational development professional with Board and Executive-level experience across housing, health, charities, regulation, policing, and local and central government. She brings particular expertise in workforce strategy, organisational development, culture and leadership, pay and reward, equality and inclusion, safeguarding and risk.
- Marion Hannon – Board Member and attending our Finance, Audit & Risk Committee and Service Quality Committee: Marion is an experienced non-executive director with more than 25 years’ experience in audit and risk. She has held senior roles in global professional services, including Global Leader for Quality & Risk at RSM International and Director and Partner at PwC. Marion brings strong experience in governance, audit, risk and working with regulators and professional standards bodies.
- Kerry Kyriacou – Board Member and attending our Finance, Audit & Risk Committee: Kerry is an experienced housing leader with 25 years’ experience at Executive Director and CEO/Managing Director level across housing associations, local government, charitable and private sector organisations. He also brings 16 years of non-executive Board experience, including six years as a Board Chair. His experience spans housing development, resident services, asset management, and strategic and operational delivery, with a strong focus on the needs and experiences of customers and communities.
Together, Francesca, Marion and Kerry bring valuable experience and fresh perspectives that will support the Board as we continue to deliver our Strategy and strengthen the difference Southdown makes for people and communities.
A fond farewell and thank you
We’d also like to thank Pauline Ford, Graeme Allinson and Jo Ellis, who stepped down from Southdown’s Board at our AGM.
- Pauline has made an outstanding contribution during her seven years with Southdown, including four years as Chair. Her leadership and dedication have strengthened our governance, supported our growth and helped position Southdown strongly for the future.
- Graeme has made a valuable contribution during his six years with Southdown. As the Board’s Whistleblowing Lead, he has championed the importance of creating an organisation where people feel able to speak up about concerns and know they will be listened to.
- Jo joined the Board in September 2022 and has brought valuable experience and insight from the housing sector. Her contribution has helped strengthen our understanding of the housing landscape and the opportunities and challenges facing the people and communities we support.
Neil Blanchard, our Chief Executive,said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jonathan as our new Chair, alongside Francesca, Marion and Kerry. They bring a fantastic range of experience, knowledge and perspectives that will support our Board and our ambitions for the future.
“This is an exciting time for Southdown as we continue to turn our Strategy into action and build on the difference we already make for people across Sussex. We have ambitious plans, including expanding access to housing and continuing to develop the support we provide across Sussex. I’m looking forward to working with our new Board as we build on the strong foundations already in place.
“I’d also like to thank Pauline, Graeme and Jo for everything they have given to Southdown. Their commitment, challenge and support have made a real difference, and we’re incredibly grateful for their contribution.”
You can find out more about Southdown’s Board and our governance on our website: www.southdown.org/about-us/our-people
