Wendy brings over three decades of leadership experience in housing, development, and community engagement. Originally trained as a Town Planner, Wendy joined Orwell Housing Association in 1994 as Development Manager. Her strategic vision and commitment to innovation led to her appointment as Director of Development and Property Services, and in 2018, she became Chief Executive.

Under Wendy’s leadership, Orwell has undergone significant transformation, emerging as a modern, agile organisation with a strong focus on customer experience, community impact, and operational resilience.

She successfully guided the organisation through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to champion inclusive growth and sustainability across Orwell’s services.

Wendy is also Managing Director of Orwell Homes Limited, the Association’s development subsidiary, and plays a pivotal role in shaping housing delivery across East Anglia. She is also a founding member of Independent East, a consortium of five regional housing associations, and serves as Chair of Eastern Procurement Limited, driving collaborative procurement strategies across the sector.

Her commitment to community wellbeing extends beyond Orwell. Wendy is a Board Member of Active Suffolk, supporting initiatives that promote physical activity and inclusion across the county. She also holds a non-executive role with Combat2Coffee, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting veterans through employment, mental health awareness, and community engagement.

Wendy’s portfolio of roles reflects her passion for social impact, strategic collaboration, and empowering communities through housing, health, and enterprise.

David joined Orwell in January 2024 as Director of Finance, which also includes Development, Risk, Procurement and Fleet.

He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants having qualified in 1993 with KPMG, working with the firm in both the UK and New Zealand.

David moved into the social housing sector in 1998 and has held executive roles in a number of housing providers within the eastern region and London.  

David is a board member of Croydon Churches Housing Association and the Chair of their Audit and Risk Committee. 

Michelle joined Orwell in June 2020 as Director of People and Culture, this consists of the People Team (HR), the IT team, the corporate H&S function, Governance, the Communications team and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Michelle is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and has primarily worked in the charity and not-for-profit sector.  Her specialism is a focus on culture, values, transformational leadership and inclusion, working with all colleagues to embed a positive culture, supporting wellbeing and inclusion with the aim colleagues are happy at work and well placed to support our customers and communities.

Since joining, Michelle has worked to support Orwell to gain the Housing Diversity DNA accreditation, moved us to Disability Confident Leaders, achieved a Gold Better Health at Work accreditation and become an Ambassadorial wellbeing support organisation as well as supporting the design and presentation of our bespoke Building Leaders Programme.  She has presented externally on EDI and Wellbeing subjects.

Michelle is a trained mediator and is currently studying a Level 5 Professional coaching qualification.

Tony joined Orwell in March 2024, bringing with him over 20 years of extensive experience in the housing sector.  Tony's career to date includes pivotal roles at both national and regional social housing providers.  With a proven track record in leading customer-facing housing services, Tony has demonstrated a keen focus on elevating the customer experience and is deeply committed to improving the quality of life and future prospects of customers, employees, and communities.

As Director of Customers and Communities, Tony will work closely with our and colleagues to provide strategic guidance across Orwell’s property and estate services, housing management, customer experience, and customer engagement teams and to help implement Orwell’s mission to cultivate vibrant communities and deliver exceptional services to its customers. Tony is also responsible for compliance with consumer standards.

Tony is a Business and Management Graduate of Hult Ashridge Business School and a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing.