Executive Team

Our Executive Management Team is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and strategic direction of Gateway. 

Executive Management 

The Group Chief Executive leads the organisation’s operations and is accountable to the Parent Board. Supported by the Executive Management Team (EMT), the CEO is responsible for:

  • Delivering the Group’s business plan and services
  • Managing risk, finances, compliance, and staff
  • Ensuring accurate, timely information is provided to Boards
  • Implementing Board decisions and maintaining effective internal controls

The EMT has delegated authority to manage day to day operations within approved budgets and frameworks.  

 

Kate

 

Kate Franklin - Chief Executive Officer, GLL/VPHD and Board Member, Interim MRC

Kate Franklin joined Gateway in August 2021.

Kate is a highly experienced transformation director, senior marketer and recognised expert in building customer-centred businesses. She has a combination of housing and retail experience which has drawn on her commitment to customer experience and insight.

Kate first entered the housing sector in 2008 and has over 12 years experience at an executive leadership level with CHP, Hyde, One Housing Group and North Herts Homes (now settle) and was a NED at MHS until recently.

Jahanara

Jahanara Rajkoomar, Director of Customer Services
Jahanara is the Director of Customer Services and has responsibility for all resident services and responsive repairs services.  She has a proven track record of delivering strategic and innovative social solutions that benefit both the business and its customers. She leads our Customer Services Directorate and is responsible for ensuring that our residents receive a high standard of service across all areas of our work. 

She has worked in social housing since 2009 in various roles focused on improving the experience of customers and communities.

Ola

Ola Akintelure, Director of Assets and Development  
Ola is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing with over 20 years’ experience in social housing asset management. He has held senior leadership roles across housing associations in London and the South of England, overseeing budgets of more than £30 million and achieving major cost savings through strategic procurement.

Ola combines operational rigour with a strong commitment to customer safety and service excellence. He also serves as a Board Member with another housing association, contributing to governance and strategic oversight. Ola holds an MSc in Facilities Management from the University of Westminster and has a background in architecture and environmental design.

Stephen King

Stephen King, Interim Director of Finance, IT and Governance

Stephen joined Gateway Housing in March 2026, bringing extensive financial and leadership experience from both commercial and social housing sectors. After training with PwC and holding senior roles across insurance, finance and energy industries, he moved into the not-for-profit sector in 2010. He has since held senior finance positions at Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, Shaw Trust and Thrive Homes, developing expertise in financial management, governance and organisational performance.As Company Secretary for the Group, Stephen combines strong financial leadership with significant governance experience and is committed to delivering efficient, customer-focused social housing services. He also brings valuable board and committee experience from across the social housing and charity sectors. 

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