Southway names new chief executive

John Bowker will replace Karen Mitchell in the top post at the housing association after she retires in July.

Bowker is the current executive director of operations at Stockport Homes Group. He is also the chair of JV North, a unified collective of housing associations and local authorities. He has 25 years of experience, having worked at Harvest Housing Group, Eastlands Homes, Trafford Housing Trust (now L&Q), Six Town Housing, Home Group, and Liverpool Mutual Homes.

As chief executive of Southway Housing Trust, Bowker will lead the group in its mission to build more affordable homes, improve tenant engagement and landlord services, and increase community investment.

“I grew up in Manchester and have a deep-rooted commitment to its communities and I look forward to working with Southway and its tenants to set priorities for the years ahead to ensure the best possible services for customers and new homes that meet local needs,” Bowker said.

“It is a real honour and privilege to take over this role from Karen who has done so much to successfully lead the organisation from its inception through to the present day.”

Hazel Makinson, chair of Southway’s board, led the selection process for Bowker’s appointment.

She said: “John will be a great fit for Southway. He has a strong passion for social housing and working with tenants and communities, as well as an impressive track record of staff engagement.

“He is committed to the vision, values, and objectives of Southway and will bring a lot of experience and new ideas to the trust.”

Southway currently manages 6,000 homes in South Manchester, Trafford, Trameside, and East Cheshire. Projects include 29 homes at the Irish Club car park in Chorlton, 80 flats by Old Trafford Cricket Ground, and 76 homes in Didsbury. Southway is also working with Step Places on a possible 120 homes on Ryebank Fields in Chorlton.