igloo enters new era with leadership transition

Impact-led developer igloo has announced a leadership transition that will see culture and commercial director John Long become chief executive from July 1, while long-serving chief executive Peter Connolly moves into the role of non-executive chair.

John and Peter joined the business within weeks of each other in 2006 and have worked together for more than two decades, helping shape igloo’s purpose-led approach and growth as a specialist investor-developer.

Peter has led the business since 2006, overseeing its evolution into the UK’s first real estate B Corp and its integration into the Places for People group. 

During his tenure, igloo expanded from a development manager into an investor-developer, creating the igloo Platform to deliver large-scale mixed-use regeneration projects.

Peter said: “When we first started talking about impact-led development, it was considered niche. 

“Now many of the principles that have guided igloo from the very beginning are rightly becoming central to how memorable places are created. 

“I’m incredibly proud of the role igloo has played in helping drive that shift, demonstrating the value of long-term partnership-led regeneration, underpinned by Footprint® (our industry-leading development methodology). 

“John has been instrumental in our journey, and I couldn't think of a better person to take the company forward. 

“While my role is changing, my commitment to igloo is not and I'm excited to continue supporting the business in my new role.” 

As chief executive, John will lead the business into its next phase of growth, with a development pipeline of more than 3000 homes and major regeneration projects underway across the UK, including Festival Gardens in Liverpool, Founders Place in Newcastle, the Central Winchester Regeneration project and a sustainable housing scheme in Knutsford.

John said: “There’s a reason I joined igloo, and a reason I’ve stuck around for 20 years – a deeply held conviction that there’s a better way to do development and a longing to see Purpose translate into Impact.  

“I think that’s true for every single person in the igloo team.  

“And I think that’s pretty unique. 

“As I step into the role of igloo’s chief executive, I’m reflective and proud of what we’ve achieved over our first 25 years.  

“But I am also mindful that there’s more to do. 

“So, I am very clear on my role. 

“We need to build on the foundations of igloo’s track record, the breadth and solidity of PfP behind us and, working with partners, stakeholders, and communities, do more of what we’re good at. 

“Get more people into igloo homes, create more communities, deliver more impact – for People, Place and Planet. 

“I think there’s never been a more exciting time for igloo, nor more need. 

“I’d like to thank Peter for his vision, leadership and friendship. 

“We’ve worked well together for 20 years, and I look forward to that continuing in our new roles.” 

The leadership changes form part of a wider board structure that will include finance director Louise Donaldson and operations director Samantha Veal as executive directors, alongside non-executive chair Peter Connolly and non-executive director John Tatham.

Greg Reed, group chief executive at PfP, added: “As part of the Places for People group, igloo plays an important role in helping us to deliver our ambition of creating places where communities can thrive. 

“igloo’s pioneering model of investment and development delivers real impact and is a catalyst for change. 

“This leadership transition represents both continuity and innovation.

“John has played a central role in igloo’s success and brings a deep understanding of the business, its partners and its purpose. 

“He is exceptionally well placed to lead the business through its next chapter, scaling the igloo magic. 

“Peter’s contribution over the past 20 years has been significant. 

“His leadership has established igloo as a true innovator in impact-led development, and I’m delighted the business will continue to benefit from his expertise as non-executive chair.” 

Cath Webster, chief executive at Thriving Investments, added: “igloo has built a strong track record under Peter’s leadership, combining commercial discipline with a clear social and environmental purpose. 

“As part of Thriving Investments, it plays an important role in how we deliver place-based, impact-led investment and development. 

“We are very grateful to Peter for all he has done and that he will continue to be part of igloo as the non-executive chair. 

“Moving forward, John is exceptionally well placed to lead the business into its next phase. 

“He brings a deep understanding of igloo’s purpose, culture and capability, and I look forward to working with him in his new role as we continue to grow the platform and deliver long-term value for communities and investors.” 

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.