Change at the top for Igloo
Culture and commercial director John Long will become chief executive as Peter Connolly, who has led the regeneration specialist since 2007, takes on the role of non-executive chair.
Long and Connolly have worked together for more than 20 years, joining the business within weeks of each other in 2006 when igloo was still a start-up development business.
Under Connolly’s tenure, Igloo became the UK’s first real estate B Corp and was integrated into the Places for People social enterprise group.
The business has since evolved from a development manager into an investor-developer, creating the ‘igloo Platform’ combining igloo’s development capability with PfP-igloo’s development capital to deliver mixed-use regeneration projects at scale.
Working alongside fund manager, Thriving Investments, igloo has diversified and scaled its activity across the UK, delivering mixed-use neighbourhoods that combine responsible, impact-led investment with lasting positive social and environmental outcomes.
One of the firm’s most notable projects has been Founders Place, the redevelopment of a historic railway heritage quarter close to Newcastle railway station.
Beyond that, there is a 3,000-home pipeline, with regeneration projects including Festival Gardens in Liverpool – where it was selected with JV partner Urban Splash in August 2025 – and the Central Winchester Regeneration project. Igloo is also working on an exemplar eco-living scheme with the Crown Estate in Cheshire.
Cities including Birmingham, Leeds, Sunderland, Sheffield, Nottingham and Leicester have also seen the developer in action.
Long, who will take over as chief executive from 1 July, said: “There’s a reason I joined igloo, and a reason I’ve stuck around for 20 years – a deeply held conviction that there’s a better way to do development and a longing to see purpose translate into impact. I think that’s true for every single person in the igloo team. And I think that’s pretty unique.
“As I step into the role of chief executive, I’m reflective and proud of what we’ve achieved over our first 25 years. But I am also mindful that there’s more to do. So I am very clear on my role. We need to build on the foundations of igloo’s track record, the breadth and solidity of PfP behind us and, working with partners, stakeholders, and communities, do more of what we’re good at.
“Get more people into igloo homes, create more communities, deliver more impact – for People, Place and Planet. I think there’s never been a more exciting time for igloo, nor more need.
“I’d like to thank Peter for his vision, leadership and friendship. We’ve worked well together for 20 years, and I look forward to that continuing in our new roles.”
Connolly said: “When we first started talking about impact-led development, it was considered niche. Now many of the principles that have guided igloo from the very beginning are rightly becoming central to how memorable places are created.”
He added: “John has been instrumental in our journey and I couldn’t think of a better person to take the company forward. While my role is changing, my commitment to igloo is not and I’m excited to continue supporting the business in my new role.”
Greg Reed, group chief executive at PfP, said: “This leadership transition represents both continuity and innovation. John has played a central role in igloo’s success and brings a deep understanding of the business, its partners and its purpose. He is exceptionally well placed to lead the business through its next chapter, scaling the igloo magic.
“Peter’s contribution over the past 20 years has been significant. His leadership has established igloo as a true innovator in impact-led development, and I’m delighted the business will continue to benefit from his expertise as non-executive chair.”
Cath Webster, chief executive of Thriving Investments, added: “We are very grateful to Peter for all he has done and that he will continue to be part of igloo as the non-executive chair.
“Moving forward, John is exceptionally well placed to lead the business into its next phase. He brings a deep understanding of igloo’s purpose, culture and capability, and I look forward to working with him in his new role as we continue to grow the platform and deliver long-term value for communities and investors.”
Igloo’s board from 1 July will comprise three executive directors in Long, finance director Louise Donaldson, and operations director Samantha Veal, with Connolly as chair and John Tatham as non-executive director and shareholder representative.
