Meet our Chief Officer Group

Jonathan Layzell

Chief Executive

Jonathan Layzell was appointed Chief Executive of Stonewater in June 2025. A respected sector leader with over 20 years’ experience, Jonathan brings deep expertise in affordable housing, customer service transformation, and strategic growth.

Before stepping into the Chief Executive role, Jonathan was Chief Officer for Growth and Development, where he led Stonewater’s national housebuilding programme—delivering more than 1,000 new homes every year—and spearheaded major mergers and acquisitions. He also held interim responsibility for the Customer Directorate, supporting services for over 93,000 customers.

Jonathan is a recognised leader in the housing sector and has led nationally significant bids, including securing over £500 million in funding for Stonewater from Homes England, and has championed pioneering initiatives in sustainability, public art, and community investment.

A passionate advocate for inclusive leadership and place-based regeneration, Jonathan continues to play a leading role in public affairs and housing policy.

He is a member of the Stonewater Funding Board.

Patrick Chauvin

Chief Officer Safety, Assets and Sustainability

Patrick is a seasoned property and asset management professional with a strong background in housing and construction. ​

​A qualified building surveyor, he began his career in private practice, managing construction projects for high-profile clients. With extensive experience in safety compliance, he is committed to ensuring homes meet the highest standards, balancing costs while prioritising customer wellbeing.

Anne Costain

Chief Financial Officer

Anne is a qualified chartered accountant and corporate treasurer. Before transitioning to the housing sector, she held finance leadership roles across various manufacturing organisations, ranging from SMEs to Fortune 500 and FTSE 250 companies. ​

​With a strong focus on efficiency and financial sustainability, she has supported organisations in strengthening their financial stability and long-term resilience.

David Ripley

Chief Operating Officer

David is an experienced executive with expertise in both the private and public sectors.

As social housing providers, he believes that customer service, engagement and empowerment, driven by legislation, should be in our DNA. As such, he is a passionate advocate of Stonewater’s commitment to keeping customers at the heart of all we do.

He has responsibility for Stonewater's compliance with the Consumer Standards.

Ann-Marie Spencer

Interim Chief Information Officer

Ann-Marie brings over 20 years’ experience leading transformation across social housing, regulated and public sector organisations. She has a strong track record of aligning technology, data and operating models with organisational strategy to improve services and outcomes for customers.

Working at executive and board level, Ann-Marie has shaped long-term strategies, modernised digital and data platforms, strengthened governance and redesigned services around customer needs. Her approach focuses on practical delivery, insight-led decision-making and building resilient, future-ready organisations.

Passionate about social purpose and inclusive leadership, Ann-Marie believes technology should enable people rather than lead them. She is also a Non-Executive Director at Brighter Futures, providing board-level oversight of customer experience and complaints handling.