Penn inks new deal at Lovell

One of four promotions as the national partnerships housing specialist reshuffles its leadership, Stuart Penn is now managing director for the central region.

Penn is among a cohort stepping up to elevated, wider-ranging leadership roles at the business, which in recent years has moved into three more regions – East Midlands, North East and Regeneration North – and created two new business brands in Lovell Strategic Land and Lovell Renew.

David Gough, a 30-year Lovell veteran, has moved up from managing director south to a newly created role of MD of operations and commercial. He will continue to sit on the Lovell board, also now acting as deputy to managing director Steve Coleby.

Part of Gough’s former role will be taken up by James Duffett from early 2026.

Duffett will now oversee the South Wales & West, South West, Southern, and London regions. His role as regional MD for South Wales and West will be taken up by Antony Vagges.

That leaves Penn, who began as a management trainee at Lovell in 1997, straight out of college and has worked his way up. He will be the new managing director Central, responsible for the Midlands, East Midlands, East Anglia and standalone business Renew Central, which brings together refurbishment, planned maintenance and retrofit services.

Lovell’s highlights in the region include being selected as preferred developer for the Druids Heath regeneration scheme in a strategic partnership with Birmingham City Council.

Lovell MD Coleby said: “Being able to promote from within for these four crucial roles is testament to the strength and depth of talent across our organisation.

“Many of our senior leaders began their careers here, and their progression reflects the culture we’ve built – one where people can grow with the business and shape its direction.

“These appointments come at a time of significant growth and ambition across our regions. With this strengthened leadership team in place, we’re well positioned for the next phase of our journey.”