Gentoo appoints four board members

Sunderland-headquartered housing provider Gentoo Group has strengthened its group board with the appointment of four new non-executive members as it advances its long-term vision and governance strategy.

Ian Shipley, Jonathan Jowett, Jim Scott and Martin Brookes have joined the board, bringing extensive experience across data and analytics, governance and compliance, commercial leadership and social value.

Ian Shipley is managing partner and head of data and analytics at Oliver Wyman, with more than two decades of experience advising boards, regulators and governments on financial and digital strategy.

He said: “I am really looking forward to joining the Gentoo board and helping Gentoo innovate and make a difference for its customers and communities.”

Jonathan Jowett joins after 15 years as company secretary and general counsel at Greggs, bringing extensive expertise in governance, compliance, risk management and sustainability.

Jonathan added: “After working in customer first organisations for almost 40 years, I am really passionate about the services Gentoo provide and I am delighted to be part of an organisation that puts its customers at the heart of everything it does.”

Jim Scott is managing director of Rightmove’s landlord and tenant services business and has more than 25 years of commercial leadership experience across technology and consultancy.

Jim added: “Gentoo is an inspiring organisation, and I really wanted to help shape the future for customers and colleagues. 

“I am ready for this next challenge, and I look forward to meeting colleagues from across the organisation.”

Martin Brookes is chief executive of Vonne and has held senior roles across the public, private and voluntary sectors, with a strong focus on social impact.

He added: “As part of building a life in the North East and wanting to make a positive difference in the region, I believe I can bring my experience to the Board and continue to ensure Gentoo continues to be a housing provider that helps its communities and customers thrive.”

Their appointments will support Gentoo as it continues to deliver high-quality social housing and embed strong governance, digital capability, and community-focused decision-making across the organisation.

Emily Cox MBE, chair of Gentoo Group Board, added: “At Gentoo, customer and community is at the heart of everything we do. 

“Welcoming Ian, Jonathan, Jim and Martin to our board strengthens our ability to make a real difference for the people and communities we serve. 

“Their skills and expertise will help us continue to invest in safe, secure homes and create opportunities that enable our customers to thrive.”

Gentoo provides homes for more than 60,000 people in Sunderland and invests significantly each year to maintain safe, secure, and compliant housing, while also developing new homes to help address housing need.

The expanded board is expected to play a key role in guiding Gentoo’s strategic direction and ensuring it continues to deliver positive outcomes for residents and communities.

Louise Bassett, chief executive at Gentoo, added: “We are delighted to welcome Ian, Jonathan, Jim, and Martin to our board. 

“Their diverse expertise and shared commitment to social purpose will help us navigate future challenges and seize new opportunities for the benefit of our customers, colleagues and communities.

“I’m excited to work with our new members to shape Gentoo’s future and continue to deliver on our strategy and customer promise.”

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