We are excited to welcome two new Board Members, Lionah Kawonza and David Manser alongside new independent committee appointees Lewis Johnson and Wanja Odhiambo, each of whom take up their role on 1st January 2025.
Lionah Kawonza, a RICS Chartered Surveyor, works at a global sustainable design and engineering consultancy. She brings a wealth of expertise in building management and sustainability, within both the public and private sectors. Lionah is a vocal advocate for representation and diversity, fostering inclusive environments that encourage innovation and equitable outcomes.
“My appointment to the GCH Board marks an exciting chapter in my career, offering me an opportunity to contribute to the governance and strategic direction of an organisation that has a profound impact on the Gloucester community and to deepen my understanding of board-level decision-making while contributing meaningfully to the social housing sector—a cause I am deeply passionate about. GCH’s commitment to delivering quality housing aligns closely with my professional values of equity, inclusion, and sustainable project delivery.”
David Manser has spent more than 30 years with Ikea, having worked his way from the shop floor into senior leadership roles. He brings his commercial experience together with a passion for effective employee engagement aligned with strong focus upon delivering exceptional customer experience. David who has lived in Norway, Finland and Switzerland, has recently relocated back to the UK, is currently learning Japanese and is a proud Samaritans volunteer.
“Alongside my fellow board members, I hope to contribute to the goals and vision of GCH. I look forward to collaborating with, listening to and engaging in meaningful dialogue with colleagues and customers. It is clear that there is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, and I hope that by helping the team at GCH to make good decisions, I can help ensure that the communities that GCH residents are building today can continue to thrive sustainably into the future and for generations to come.”
In addition, through the open and competitive recruitment process two new Independent Committee members were identified: Lewis Johnson and Wanja Odhiambo who will further strengthen GCH’s Customer Experience and Audit, Risk & Assurance Committees.
Lewis is Strategy, Performance and Risk Manager at Newport City Homes, bringing expertise around what good governance, internal controls and assurance look like. He was recently named one of Inside Housing’s 40 under 40 and is one of Housing Today’s Top 30 Housing Today’s Champions.
Wanja, is founder of a Gloucester based social enterprise ‘The Nest’, established to create an entrepreneurial space for aspiring individuals in the food and hospitality industry. She runs monthly community meals in community venues including GCH Independent Living schemes and is passionate about bringing people together through food.
“I am delighted that as we enter our 10th year as an independent housing association and social business, we are welcoming such incredible talent onto our board and committees. These continue to be challenging times for the housing sector, as we seek to balance so many competing priorities and deliver on our ambitions to ensure everyone lives in a home they can be proud of. It is vital for us to attract diverse new talent into our leadership roles, bringing with them fresh perspectives and challenge. I look forward to working with Lionah, David, Lewis and Wanja alongside our existing board and leadership team to continue to make a difference across Gloucestershire.”