Our executive team
Our executive team works closely with the board to deliver our strategic objectives.
Tracey Downie, Chief Executive
Tracey joined Women’s Pioneer as Chief Executive in 2022. She was previously Executive Director of Housing Management at Homes for Haringey and brings over 25 years’ experience in the housing sector primarily working in London-based housing associations with a commitment to resident engagement, community development and challenging inequality.
She brings a wealth of experience from past senior, executive and non-executive roles to her role as CEO. Tracey mentors through the Future of London Leaders programme and is Board Chair of Ekaya Housing Association.
Mark Cole, Director of Resources
Mark, who joined Women’s Pioneer in 2016, is responsible for finance, IT and governance. He is a Chartered Accountant (FCA) and has 16 years’ experience in the social housing sector through roles within audit, finance and IT.
Mark is also a voluntary Audit and Risk Committee member for another registered provider in South Oxfordshire.
Susan Bernard, Head of HR and Corporate Services
Susan, who joined Women’s Pioneer in 2008, has 25 years of experience in the social housing sector-leading business support functions and human resources. She has responsibility for developing and delivering the organisation’s People Strategy and overseeing corporate-related functions.
Susan is a volunteer mentor at a large secondary school in East London supporting disadvantaged girls.
Sue Hockett, Director of Development
Sue has over 40 years experience of working in the sector, having worked for Women’s Pioneer her entire career.
Sue delivers the Development Strategy with a focus on identified core objectives. Leads the delivery of Women’s Pioneer development programme ensuring compliance with regulatory and financial requirements with responsibility for preparation of development bids, acquisition of sites, buildings for development and developing partnerships with other organisations who can support the delivery of Women’s Pioneer’s Development Strategy.
Kemal Hulusi, Head of Contracts, Compliance and Property Services
Kemal joined Women’s Pioneer as Head of Contracts, Compliance and Property Services in 2023 and is responsible for the operational strategy side of the business.
Kemal has 22 years’ experience within the housing sector and has managed various areas of housing including Customer Services, Voids, Repairs and Contract Management which has provided an all-round experience within the sector.
Kemal will be the lead for service delivery, compliancy, ensuring good practice and value for money.
Natasha Roberts, Director of Operations
Natasha joined Women’s Pioneer in 2024 and holds strategic responsibility for housing and customer services, safeguarding and resident engagement.
With 12 years in the housing sector, Natasha brings a wealth of experience in the development and implementation of service improvements.
She is a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Housing and a trustee for a homelessness charity.