Meet the members of the Board

Rob Thompson
Chair

Rob, who recently retired was the Human Resources Manager for Ineos Chlor Ltd, a Company that manufactures intermediate chemicals, based in Runcorn.  He was previously employed by ICI as Human Resources Manager.

As the Liberal Democrat Councillor for Hoole Rob has taken a keen interest in housing strategy and provision.  He believes everyone has a right to decent accommodation at an affordable price.  Chester & District Housing Trust has an opportunity to deliver this and to help create communities that Tenants and the City can be proud of.

Eleanor Johnson

Since being elected for Barrow in 1994, Eleanor has served on the City Council’s Housing Committee and was the Conservative group spokesperson.  Eleanor has experience of participation in consultative committees with tenants and the private sector and has been a Council representative on the area committee of an RSL.

Formerly a partner in the family business and now retired,  Eleanor   is a governor of the Kings School, Robert Oldfield Educational Trust and her local primary schools.  She is a member of Barrow Parish Council and is involved in several other organisations.

Patrick Scanlan

Patrick, has been a tenant of the Trust for many years, living throughout Chester and the district.  A former school teacher, he developed an interest in resident involvement through the Extra Care Village Steering Group.

He is particularly interested in Equality & Diversity and has recently been appointed as Champion for Diversity

Paul Smith

Paul is Managing Director of Arena Homes. He has over 30 years experience of working in housing management including leading on a number of major urban regeneration schemes.  He has taken the lead in delivering stock transfer and is particularly keen to ensure that customers have the opportunity for real participation.  Paul is passionate about good governance and has been instrumental in leading change in a number of organisations. 

Jackie Grannell

Alex Tate

Councillor Alex Tate

Kate Reeves

Kate spent many years in senior positions in the house building and commercial property development sectors including high profile regeneration schemes. She was responsible for Business Development, Human Resources and Public Relations.

She also has broad experience of working with vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community through her work with WRVS where she implemented the National Development Plan throughout Shropshire.

John has been a resident of Chester and a leaseholder of the Trust since moving to the city from London in 2001.

Until the end of 2007, he was marketing and Environmental Director for Tetra Pak UK & Ireland – the milk & juice packaging group – at their head office in Wrexham.

Prior to this he held various commercial and marketing roles in both the UK and Switzerland. John is a strong supporter of using a sustainability approach to deliver benefits at many levels.

Finally, John is a keen skier and has recently qualified as an instructor.