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Meet the team

  2. About the HBF
  3. Meet the team
Published: 23 Jun 2025
Last updated: 3 Feb 2026

Introducing the HBF team

Our work is led by an expert team, covering a range of work areas, including political engagement, planning, policy, technical, skills and media engagement.

Leadership team
Neil Jefferson Chief Executive HBF
David O'Leary Executive Director HBF
Steve Turner Executive Director HBF
Mark Thackstone Finance Director HBF

Management team
Rhodri Williams Technical and Sustainability Director HBF
James Stevens Director for Cities HBF
Emma Ramell Director of External Affairs HBF
Catherine Williams Planning Director HBF

Rianna Fry Digital Communications Director HBF
Andy George Director of Industry Attraction and Skills HBF
Catherine Wilson Head of Digital and IT HBF

Policy and external affairs
David O'Leary Executive Director HBF
Emma Ramell Director of External Affairs HBF
James Stevens Director for Cities HBF
Laura Markus Policy and External Affairs Manager HBF
Laurence Thompson Policy and Campaigns Officer HBF

Communications, digital and membership
Steve Turner Executive Director HBF
Rianna Fry Digital Communications Director HBF
Anissa Morris Communications and Campaigns Manager HBF
Hannah Gillman Communications and Campaigns Officer HBF
Catherine Wilson Head of Digital and IT HBF
Ben Sloan Head of Membership HBF
Steph Calder Membership & Website Officer HBF

Planning
Catherine Williams Planning Director HBF
Mark Behrendt Planning Manager - Local Plans (Southern and Eastern) HBF
Rachel Danemann Planning Manager for the Midlands and South West HBF
Chris Martin Regional Planning Manager - North East, North West and Yorkshire HBF
James Stevens Director for Cities HBF

HBF Wales
Mark Harris Planning & Policy Advisor for Wales HBF
Rhodri Williams Technical and Sustainability Director HBF
Laurence Thompson Policy and Campaigns Officer HBF

Technical
Rhodri Williams Technical and Sustainability Director HBF
Steph Calder Membership & Website Officer HBF

Industry Attraction and Skills
Andy George Director of Industry Attraction and Skills HBF
Tracey Hill Project and Contract Manager HBF
Cath Bullough Project and Relationship Manager HBF
Deena Wells Project Coordinator HBF

Finance and administration
Mark Thackstone Finance Director HBF
Razia Iqbal Senior Bookkeeper HBF
Marian Macdonald PA/Office Manager HBF
Steph Calder Membership & Website Officer HBF

HBF Board
Dean Finch
David Thomas Non-Executive Director Barratt
Gerald Malton Non-Executive Director
Greg Hill
Helen Moore Non-Executive Director Orbit Homes
Jennie Daly Non-Executive Director
Mark White Non-Executive Director
Neil Fitzsimmons Non-Executive Director
Steve Midgley Non-Executive Director
Stewart Baseley Chairman HBF
Neil Jefferson Chief Executive HBF

David O'Leary Executive Director HBF
Mark Thackstone Finance Director HBF
Steve Turner Executive Director HBF

Meet our wider team

Our member Group Chairs help lead HBF member meetings to address emerging industry challenges, enabling members to contribute their expertise and shape discussions that influence HBF’s position on key issues.

View the Group Chairs
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