Executive Team 2021/22
The Executive Team during the 2021/22 period is detailed below.
Updated: 21 September 2022
Julie Doyle – Chief Executive
As Chief Executive of Longhurst Group, Julie Doyle has ensured a strong platform for future success by reshaping the organisation, achieving considerable value for money savings and delivering substantial growth.
With over 25 years' experience in the housing sector, Julie remains committed to ensuring the Group continues to realise its ambition of being a leading developer that improves people’s lives by providing high-quality housing and care and support services.
Since becoming Chief Executive in 2015, Julie has overseen a significant period of change that has included the 2017 merger with Axiom and the streamlining of 19 different boards and committees into one coterminous structure.
During Julie’s tenure, the Group has maintained G1V1 status, returned record financial results and built over 800 new properties. Julie has also been instrumental in guiding the Group to adopt a more aligned approach that sees over 1,200 colleagues work together as ‘One Team’ with ‘One Vision’.
Robert Griffiths – Deputy Chief Executive & Chief Financial Officer
Rob became Deputy Chief Executive in 2015 and has been the Group’s Chief Financial Officer since 2006, having joined the organisation in 1994. He leads the Group’s Operational Finance, Corporate Finance and ICT Teams and has responsibility for audit and risk management.
Rob has led and been involved in a number of key growth projects with extensive experience in developing a business plan that is now delivering around 700 new homes each year across a range of different tenures.
Elsewhere, Rob is the Chair of the Housing Statement of Recommended Practice Working Party (SORP) and in 2016 was appointed as a member of the Financial Reporting Councils Technical Advisory Group. More recently, in February 2018, Rob was appointed as an employer representative to the Social Housing Pension Scheme (SHPS).
Sharon Guest – Executive Director of Housing Services
Sharon joined Longhurst Group in July 2016, and is responsible for services operating across the Group’s 22,000 homes. With more than 20 years housing management experience, Sharon plays a pivotal role in leading the direction of the organisation. Sharon believes passionately that the social housing sector can play a key role in solving the housing crisis, by providing high quality, affordable homes to meet a range of needs.
When it comes to meeting the needs of customers, Sharon is hands-on in making sure their views are heard and are used to ensure we provide the best possible services.
Lynn Stubbs – Executive Director of People and Performance
Lynn joined Longhurst Group in 1996 to lead on performance and quality initiatives within the organisation. Lynn was previously Director of Business Services at Spire Homes, responsible for operational areas such as property and customer services, customer and community involvement, along with quality assurance, regulation and marketing and communications.
Lynn brings a wealth of experience in project management, communications and community work gained in various roles in the public and voluntary sector.
Louise Platt – Executive Director of Care and Business Partnerships
Louise’s executive career started in commercial service organisations before joining the housing sector where she has worked for over 13 years, helping Axiom Housing Association achieve excellent ratings for governance and viability, as well as Investors in People Gold Standard and multiple Sunday Times Top 100 listings.
Louise, who played a leading role in the successful negotiation and completion of the merger with Longhurst Group in July 2017, was previously Axiom’s Executive Director of Corporate Services. She joined the Group’s Executive Team in October 2017 when she was appointed Executive Director of Care and Business Partnerships. Louise is passionate about building upon the strong reputation of the care and support services within the Group and will be integral in the leading the delivery of our new Care and Support business development strategy.
Marcus Keys – Executive Director of Growth and Development
Marcus joined Longhurst Group in May 2019 and is responsible for increasing our mixed tenure development across the Midlands and East of England and securing further growth and joint venture opportunities with public and private sector partners.
He brings a wealth of experience in both the public and private sector, having previously worked for organisations such as the Balfour Beatty Group, Lovell, The Housing Forum and Places for People.