Tom Copley

Deputy Mayor for Housing & Residential Development
Greater London Authority

Tom Copley became Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development in March 2020 and oversees the Mayor’s two affordable homes programmes, including ‘Building Council Homes for Londoners’ – the first-ever City Hall initiative dedicated to council homebuilding.

Tom also oversees the Mayor’s work to improve the private rented sector, support the delivery of community-led housing, commission services to support rough sleepers, and on building safety.

He sits on the board of Barking Riverside Ltd, a joint venture between the GLA and L&Q housing association which is delivering 10,800 homes along with new transport and other infrastructure in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.

Before becoming a Deputy Mayor, Tom was a London Assembly London-wide List Member for eight years, serving as Chair of the Assembly’s housing committee and as Labour Group housing spokesperson. He also served on Lewisham Council, representing Sydenham.

Prior to his election to the Assembly, Tom worked for Hope not hate - an anti-fascist, anti-racist charity that works with communities to fight racism and hatred.

He is a trustee of New Diorama Theatre in Camden.

Katherine Russell

Director of Build to Rent
John Lewis Partnership

Katherine Russell is an accomplished leader in the Build-to-Rent sector, with almost 2 decades of real estate experience. As a founding member of JLP’s BTR strategy, she has been instrumental in developing and operating 10,000 homes and securing a pivotal joint venture with abrdn. Her career spans diverse roles in retail, mixed-use development, and asset management, including her tenure as Grp Head of Real Estate for John Lewis Partnership. Committed to social value and wellbeing, Katherine also serves on the boards of ULI UK, NWEC, and Dolphin Living, actively contributing to the community.

Grace Oyesoro

Head of Operations
Quintain Living

Grace Oyebunmi Oyesoro is the Head of Operations at Quintain Living, overseeing the operation of 3,390 homes across eight build-to-rent (BtR) developments at Wembley Park (which will be the largest BtR development in the UK upon completion). With over 15 years of experience in sales, operations, finance, and management; she leads a team dedicated to customer service, retention, and financial performance. Prior to joining Quintain Living, Grace held various leadership positions within the residential and commercial property management sectors.

She is especially committed to improving equality, diversity and inclusion within BtR serving as a member of the ARL's EDI committee. Additionally, she is an Enterprise Adviser for The Careers & Enterprise Company, supporting careers programs at local schools and colleges. Grace believes in empowering the next generation and creating opportunities for all. Her professional journey over the past decade reflects her dedication to operational excellence and social impact.

David Reid

Managing Director, Suburban Build to Rent
Legal & General Capital

David is Managing Director of the L&G Suburban Build to Rent (SBTR)business, responsible for helping to create and deliver the strategy, originate and structure partnerships and for building and managing the team. He has extensive residential real estate investment, development and management experience and originally joined Legal & General Capital (LGC) as Senior Investment Manager within the Principal Investing/Housing team, managing LGC’s nationwide investments into the urban Build to Rent sector with LGIM. Prior to the role, he was a Director at Rowan Asset Management and a Board Director of Taylor Wimpey Cavendish Holdings, a joint venture regional housebuilding division. He holds an MPhil from the University of Cambridge, MSc from Cass Business School, MA from the University of Edinburgh and is a Member of the RICS.

Kathryn Pennington

Investment Director
Vistry Group

Kathryn has been a Director of Vistry Group for 8 years and is now the Partner Investment Director. She leads on a portfolio of projects to support the delivery of the Group’s growth ambition with a strong focus on strategic partnerships delivering multiple tenure housing solutions, place development and sustainable communities. 

Kathryn is a Chartered Surveyor with over 25 years’ experience in the housing and regeneration sectors. Her experience includes working in housebuilding, private practice and as a director in a large housing association. Her wide-ranging experience and role provides a unique perspective on mixed tenure delivery, regeneration and joint venture working. Kathryn is also the lead Director for the Groups For-Profit Housing Association and is a Non-Exec Director of Elim Housing Association. 

She is a passionate believer in the need to increase delivery of housing across all tenures through working in partnership across the supply chain.