Ex-Wagamama boss appointed at Shropshire housing provider

Rural housing association Connexus has appointed Thomas Heier as one of two new non-executive directors to its board and committees.

Former Wagamama restaurant chain chief executive Heier is joined by NHS Trust board member Angela Adimora, an experienced non-executive director who has worked across healthcare, education, logistics, retail and regulated sectors.

The Craven Arms-based housing association says the appointments will support the group’s long-term ambitions across 11,000 rental properties in rural Shropshire and Herefordshire.

Connexus has appointed Thomas Heier and Angela Adimora as non-executive directors to its board and committees. Credit: Connexus

Starting this month, Heier and Adimora will both join the organisation’s main board. Adimora will also chair Connexus’ people committee from January 2027, while Heier will chair the customer committee.

“They bring new ideas and have vast experience from across different sectors, including valuable expertise in culture, business transformation, governance and customer experience,” said chief executive, Kate Smith.

“Their insight will be extremely valuable as we continue to strengthen and transform our services and deliver across the rural communities we serve.

“I’d also like to thank Nicola de Iongh and Simon Ewins who leave the board in December after completing six-year terms. They have made significant contributions to the governance of Connexus, and we would like to thank them both for their commitment over the years.”