Our Team
We’re a proud team with a strong foundation. Small in size, big in ideas.
Our Team
We’re a proud team with a strong foundation. Small in size, big in ideas.
OUR APPROACH
Our Team
We have assembled a team of executive and non-executive directors to ensure we have the requisite skills, expertise and experience to navigate Zen through its formative years and beyond.
Comprising professionals with a deep understanding of the construction and housing sectors, the board has unparalleled knowledge of tenant requirements as well as bringing operational, financial, regulatory and corporate governance expertise.
We have adopted the National Housing Federation’s code of governance. This code is a tried and tested code that has proved successful throughout the social housing sector.
OUR APPROACH
Our Team
We have assembled a team of executive and non-executive directors to ensure we have the requisite skills, expertise and experience to navigate Zen through its formative years and beyond.
Comprising professionals with a deep understanding of the construction and housing sectors, the board has unparalleled knowledge of tenant requirements as well as bringing operational, financial, regulatory and corporate governance expertise.
We have adopted the National Housing Federation’s code of governance. This code is a tried and tested code that has proved successful throughout the social housing sector.
OUR TEAM
Board of Directors
Lesley Seary
Independent Non-Exec Chair
Lesley joined the Board as independent non-executive chair in July 2020. With 30 years of public sector experience, Lesley has a thorough understanding of community engagement, local partnerships and a wide range of services including housing. Lesley spent eight years as chief executive of Islington Council and more recently was interim chief executive at LB Redbridge. She also holds a board position at BHRUT and is a trustee of The Big House Theatre Company.
“Nothing is more important to the wellbeing of our communities than good quality affordable housing. So I am delighted to have the opportunity as Chair of Zen to make a contribution to improving the lives of our residents.”
Owen Ingram
Independent Non-Exec Director
Owen joined us as an independent non-executive director in July 2020. He is a highly experienced chair and non-executive director of registered housing providers and health authorities. He has worked in housing, health care and mental health services. As a highly respected interim Chief Executive he has been responsible for leading major change in governance, executive structures and bringing about organisational learning. Owen is passionate about excellence in customer services and in providing safe, quality homes for residents.
“I was particularly attracted to them because of the focus on the design of the homes they are proposing to construct.”
Darrell Mercer
Independent Non-Exec Chair
Darrell joined the us as an independent non-executive director in July 2020 and he brings a wealth of social housing experience to the team. Darrell is stepping down from his longstanding role as chief executive of A2Dominion Housing Group in 2022. During his tenure, he transformed the organisation, growing the portfolio from 850 properties to 38,000 with a further 5,000 in the development pipeline. Darrell has considerable strategic leadership experience in both executive and non-executive roles and has extensive specialist knowledge in property development, risk management, governance and regulation. Darrell also holds a board position at 28,000 home North West based provider Your Housing Group.
“I believe strongly in a diverse sector and Zen is a perfect example of a smaller, more responsive provider that can deliver smaller sites quickly in line with local needs and requirements. I anticipate local authorities in particular will be delighted to work with us.”
OUR TEAM
Board of Directors
Lesley Seary
Independent Non-Exec Chair
Lesley joined the Board as independent non-executive chair in July 2020. With 30 years of public sector experience, Lesley has a thorough understanding of community engagement, local partnerships and a wide range of services including housing. Lesley spent eight years as chief executive of Islington Council and more recently was interim chief executive at LB Redbridge. She also holds a board position at BHRUT and is a trustee of The Big House Theatre Company.
“Nothing is more important to the wellbeing of our communities than good quality affordable housing. So I am delighted to have the opportunity as Chair of Zen to make a contribution to improving the lives of our residents.”
Darrell Mercer
Independent Non-Exec Director
Darrell joined the Board as an independent non-executive director in July 2020 and he brings a wealth of social housing experience to the team. Darrell is stepping down from his longstanding role as chief executive of A2Dominion Housing Group in 2022. During his tenure, he transformed the organisation, growing the portfolio from 850 properties to 38,000 with a further 5,000 in the development pipeline. Darrell has considerable strategic leadership experience in both executive and non-executive roles and has extensive specialist knowledge in property development, risk management, governance and regulation. Darrell also holds a board position at 28,000 home North West based provider Your Housing Group.
“I believe strongly in a diverse sector and Zen is a perfect example of a smaller, more responsive provider that can deliver smaller sites quickly in line with local needs and requirements. I anticipate local authorities in particular will be delighted to work with us.”
Owen Ingram
Independent Non-Exec Director
Owen joined the us as an independent non-executive director in July 2020. He is a highly experienced chair and non-executive director of registered housing providers and health authorities. He has worked in housing, health care and mental health services. As a highly respected interim Chief Executive he has been responsible for leading major change in governance, executive structures and bringing about organisational learning. Owen is passionate about excellence in customer services and in providing safe, quality homes for residents.
“I was particularly attracted to them because of the focus on the design of the homes Zen are proposing to construct.”