Meet our Chief Officer Group

Jonathan Layzell

Chief Executive

Jonathan is a widely recognised leader in the housing sector with more than 20 years' experience driving growth, transformation, and innovation across affordable housing. He brings extensive expertise in strategic development, customer experience and delivering positive outcomes for customers, communities, and partners.

Before becoming Chief Executive, Jonathan served as Stonewater's Chief Officer for Growth and Development, leading one of the UK's largest affordable housing programmes, delivering more than 1,000 new homes each year and securing over £350 million in funding from Homes England. He has also led major mergers and acquisitions and held interim responsibility for the Customer Directorate, broadening his experience across both development and customer-facing services.

A passionate advocate for inclusive leadership and place-based regeneration, Jonathan champions affordable housing as the foundation for thriving communities. He continues to play an active role in shaping housing policy and public affairs, promoting innovation, sustainability, and long-term social impact while ensuring Stonewater remains focused on delivering high-quality homes and services for customers across England.

Jonathan also serves as a member of the Stonewater Funding Board.

James Bradbury

Chief Investment Officer

James has worked in the housing sector for over 25 years, with particular expertise in delivering sustainable and affordable homes at scale. He has been with Stonewater for 20 years, starting out as a Development Manager and progressing to his current role as Chief Investment Officer. James is responsible for asset investment, building safety, housing development and strategic delivery, driving the creation of high-quality, sustainable homes and communities.

He has a strong track record of leading complex development and regeneration programmes, working closely with Homes England, local authorities, and strategic partners to increase the supply of affordable housing while shaping Stonewater's long-term investment approach. James has been instrumental in attaining the organisation's SHIFT Gold status, establishing the Greenoak Centre of Excellence and championing innovation in MMC and Lean Construction, plus smart home technology.

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.