igloo has announced that its culture and commercial director, John Long, will step into the role of chief executive on 1 July 2026 as Peter Connolly, who has led the business since 2006, transitions to non-executive chair.
The two have worked together for over two decades, joining the business within weeks of each other in 2006 when igloo was still a start-up. Under Connolly’s tenure as CEO, igloo became the UK’s first real estate B Corp and integrated into the UK’s leading social enterprise, Places for People group. The business has since evolved from a development manager into an investor-developer, creating the ‘igloo Platform’ combining igloo’s development capability with PfP-igloo’s development capital to deliver mixed-use regeneration projects at scale.
Working alongside fund manager Thriving Investments, igloo has diversified and scaled its activity, delivering mixed-use neighbourhoods across the UK. The developer continues to grow its team across the UK and drive forward its 3,000-home pipeline, with key urban regeneration projects underway including Festival Gardens in Liverpool, Founders Place in Newcastle, the Central Winchester Regeneration project, and a pioneering sustainable housing development with The Crown Estate in Knutsford.
Long (pictured right) said: “There’s a reason I joined igloo, and a reason I’ve stuck around for 20 years – a deeply held conviction that there’s a better way to do development and a longing to see Purpose translate into Impact. I think that’s true for every single person in the igloo team. And I think that’s pretty unique.
“As I step into the role of igloo’s chief executive, I’m reflective and proud of what we’ve achieved over our first 25 years. But I am also mindful that there’s more to do. So I am very clear on my role. We need to build on the foundations of igloo’s track record, the breadth and solidity of PfP behind us and, working with partners, stakeholders, and communities, do more of what we’re good at. Get more people into igloo homes, create more communities, deliver more impact – for People, Place and Planet. I think there’s never been a more exciting time for igloo, nor more need.
“I’d like to thank Peter for his vision, leadership and friendship. We’ve worked well together for 20 years, and I look forward to that continuing in our new roles.”
Connolly (pictured left) added: “When we first started talking about impact-led development, it was considered niche. Now many of the principles that have guided igloo from the very beginning are rightly becoming central to how memorable places are created.
“I’m incredibly proud of the role igloo has played in helping drive that shift, demonstrating the value of long-term partnership-led regeneration, underpinned by Footprint® (our industry-leading development methodology). John has been instrumental in our journey, and I couldn’t think of a better person to take the company forward. While my role is changing, my commitment to igloo is not and I’m excited to continue supporting the business in my new role.”
Greg Reed, group CEO at PfP, commented: “This leadership transition represents both continuity and innovation. John has played a central role in igloo’s success and brings a deep understanding of the business, its partners and its Purpose. He is exceptionally well placed to lead the business through its next chapter, scaling the igloo magic.
“Peter’s contribution over the past 20 years has been significant. His leadership has established igloo as a true innovator in impact-led development, and I’m delighted the business will continue to benefit from his expertise as non-executive chair.”
Cath Webster, CEO at Thriving Investments, added: “igloo has built a strong track record under Peter’s leadership, combining commercial discipline with a clear social and environmental purpose. As part of Thriving Investments, it plays an important role in how we deliver place-based, impact-led investment and development. We are very grateful to Peter for all he has done and that he will continue to be part of igloo as the non-executive chair.
“Moving forward, John is exceptionally well placed to lead the business into its next phase. He brings a deep understanding of igloo’s purpose, culture and capability, and I look forward to working with him in his new role as we continue to grow the platform and deliver long-term value for communities and investors.”
igloo’s board from 1 July will comprise three executive directors in Long (CEO), Louise Donaldson (finance director) and Samantha Veal (operations director), with Connolly as non-exec chair and John Tatham as non-exec director and shareholder representative.
