Awen Housing Group has announced the appointment of Ann Cornelius as its new Chair, succeeding Tony Deakin, who has completed his term of office after nine years of service on the Board.
Ann takes on the role at an exciting time for us, following our recent transition from Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA) to Awen Housing Group and as we continue to strengthen our services and grow our presence across South East Wales.
A highly experienced housing professional, Ann has worked in senior leadership roles across the housing sector in England and Wales for more than 30 years, including Executive Director and Chief Executive positions. She has extensive experience leading organisational change and business transformation programmes and currently works with housing organisations as a consultant, supporting strategic development and large-scale change initiatives.
In addition to her executive career, Ann brings considerable governance experience, having served on a number of housing and voluntary sector boards. Most recently, she completed her term as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of a domestic abuse charity.
Ann joined the MHA Board in 2025 and has played an important role in supporting the organisation through a period of significant transition and growth.
Ann said:
I am delighted and honoured to be appointed as the inaugural Chair of Awen Housing Group. This is an exciting time for the organisation as it builds on the strong foundations established over many years and embarks on its next chapter.
I have been impressed by Awen’s commitment to its tenants, communities and colleagues, and I look forward to working with fellow Board members and the executive team to support the organisation’s continued success. Together, we will ensure Awen remains focused on delivering high-quality services, creating opportunities and making a positive difference to the lives of the people and communities we serve.
The new appointment coincides with a change of name and identity for the organisation, who in 2026 expanded its geographical reach into neighbouring Torfaen and Newport.
Gwyndaf Tobias, Awen Group CEO said:
Tony will be greatly missed. His leadership, commitment and expertise have made a significant contribution to the success and development of our organisation over many years. On behalf of everyone at Awen, I would like to thank him for his dedicated service and wish him every success for the future.
However, I am confident that he is handing over the baton to an exceptional successor. Ann is a highly experienced housing professional and a respected leader whose passion for delivering high-quality, tenant-focused services closely aligns with our values and ambitions. I am looking forward to working closely with her in her new role as Chair.
We are also delighted to welcome two new Board members, Steve Dimmick and Glyn Jones, who join the Board as Dimitri Batrouni and Colin Lewis complete nine years of distinguished service. We are extremely grateful to Dimitri and Colin for their commitment, insight and contribution during a period of significant change and growth for the organisation.
This marks the end of an era for the former MHA Board. Our departing Board members deserve enormous credit for the pivotal role they have played in shaping the strong, dynamic and responsive organisation that Awen is today. Their stewardship has helped create firm foundations for the future, and we thank them for the lasting legacy they leave behind.
Tony said:
I am saddened to be leaving Awen at such an exciting point in its journey, but I could not be handing over the Chairmanship to a more capable and deserving successor. Ann brings a wealth of experience, sound judgement and a deep commitment to tenants and communities, and I know the organisation will continue to thrive under her leadership as Chair.