Sean Hughes joins Hightown; Mary Gibbons takes on new role at Abri

Interim Executive Director of Homes for Hightown

South East housing association Hightown has appointed Sean Hughes as interim Executive Director of Homes.

He will commence the 12-month interim role on 20 October.

Hightown operates in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire and currently manages over 9,300 homes.

Hughes will provide executive-level leadership across the association’s assets, repairs and landlord health and safety teams. He has worked in the social housing sector for 30 years, holding a variety of senior positions within housing associations and local authorities, including Executive Director of Operations at Salvation Army Homes.

Hughes joins Hightown following a consultancy assignment with Slough Borough Council.

Natalie Sturrock, Hightown’s existing Executive Director of Housing, will be focusing on leading the development of the association’s customer strategy.

Maxine Espley MBE, Hightown Chief Executive, commented: “We’re excited to welcome Sean, who brings a wealth of strategic and operational knowledge to Hightown and extensive experience of designing and delivering services in an evolving legislative and regulatory environment, ensuring that strong outcomes for customers are at the centre of his approach.

“His leadership will be instrumental in driving forward our ambitions to ensure our homes remain safe, sustainable and fit for the future. This strategic change to our Executive Leadership Team marks an important step in our journey to become a truly customer-led organisation.”

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Abri appoints new Chief Operating Officer

Mary Gibbons is the new Chief Operating Officer for Abri group.

Gibbons is currently the Regional Managing Director of Abri’s London region, where she has led on the recovery of Octavia Housing’s services and integration into the group.

Octavia formally joined the group as a subsidiary in December 2024.

As part of the executive team, the Chief Operating Officer is responsible for the strategic leadership and direction of Abri’s customer experience. The directorate is responsible for all landlord services including housing, repairs and maintenance, complaints, tenancy sustainment and community investment.

On her appointment, Mary Gibbons said: “I’m delighted to have been chosen as Abri’s new Chief Operating Officer. I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact social housing can have on people’s life chances and wellbeing.

“With previous knowledge of Abri and the housing sector, and a passion for quality homes and services, I look forward to embedding a customer-first culture into the organisation and create another step-change in customer service standards.”

Mary will replace Ralph Facey who will be taking on the role of managing director of the Octavia Foundation before he retires.

Abri owns and manages more than 58,000 homes, working with over 48 local authorities, and have set a target of building at least 10,000 new homes by 2030.