Human Nature is thrilled to announce that David Cowans, one of the most influential figures in the housing sector, has agreed to join the company as Chairman of its Board.
David brings over 30 years’ experience in housing development and regeneration, to Human Nature at a critical time for the company as we prepare to submit a planning application for its first major development, the Phoenix neighbourhood in Lewes, East Sussex.
David retired from his post as Chief Executive at Places for People Group (PfP) earlier this year, where over 24 years he grew a powerhouse of social enterprise, innovation in regeneration, development, management and investment.
He transformed the business into a housing association with over 219,000 homes under management and took the turnover from £110m to £827m, generating a profit before tax of £95.5m and a balance sheet of £4.9bn.
At Human Nature, David will be instrumental in bringing forward plans for the Phoenix, a mixed-tenure and mixed-use brownfield development. It represents a new generation of places in the UK. Conceived, planned and designed with a view to being the most regenerative and lowest carbon neighbourhood in Europe.
David Cowans says: “It feels like we’ve been rehearsing for this moment all our professional lives: to fulfil the potential of place to address the greatest challenges of our time, inspiring and enabling all to live well and sustainably, while building a wonderfully optimistic and positive business”
“Human Nature has the clarity of vision, drive and tools to succeed in its ambitious and important mission. We need a new chapter in development in this country and I am putting my shoulder to the wheel of this important adventure. We’ll be shaping the business plan, refining the models, scaling the network and partnerships and putting in place the governance and underlying culture for project success and rapid business growth.
Human Nature CEO Jonathan Smales says: “Needless to say, we are delighted that David is joining us. I’ve had the great pleasure of knowing him for 20 years and to have the opportunity to work alongside him when he’s at the peak of his powers is hugely exciting for me personally and for the business.
“David has unparalleled vision, experience and track record; he also has an undimmed appetite for innovation and transformative change. We aim to put his talents to good use as we grow an essential new model for development, place, stewardship, and behaviours and culture fit for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
“The old models of development have to die quickly. New models that can scale at pace to become the new mainstream and deliver the outcomes we need to heal social divisions, regenerate nature and help take us out of the climate emergency have to win. David knows a lot about winning. There is no role for business as usual”
Cowans will share the Chairmanship of Human Nature with co-founder Michael Manolson, a former Chairman of Greenpeace USA and Director of Greenpeace Canada.
Human Nature is thrilled to announce that David Cowans, one of the most influential figures in the housing sector, has agreed to join the company as Chairman of its Board.
David brings over 30 years’ experience in housing development and regeneration, to Human Nature at a critical time for the company as we prepare to submit a planning application for its first major development, the Phoenix neighbourhood in Lewes, East Sussex.
David retired from his post as Chief Executive at Places for People Group (PfP) earlier this year, where over 24 years he grew a powerhouse of social enterprise, innovation in regeneration, development, management and investment.
He transformed the business into a housing association with over 219,000 homes under management and took the turnover from £110m to £827m, generating a profit before tax of £95.5m and a balance sheet of £4.9bn.
At Human Nature, David will be instrumental in bringing forward plans for the Phoenix, a mixed-tenure and mixed-use brownfield development. It represents a new generation of places in the UK. Conceived, planned and designed with a view to being the most regenerative and lowest carbon neighbourhood in Europe.
David Cowans says: “It feels like we’ve been rehearsing for this moment all our professional lives: to fulfil the potential of place to address the greatest challenges of our time, inspiring and enabling all to live well and sustainably, while building a wonderfully optimistic and positive business”
“Human Nature has the clarity of vision, drive and tools to succeed in its ambitious and important mission. We need a new chapter in development in this country and I am putting my shoulder to the wheel of this important adventure. We’ll be shaping the business plan, refining the models, scaling the network and partnerships and putting in place the governance and underlying culture for project success and rapid business growth.
Human Nature CEO Jonathan Smales says: “Needless to say, we are delighted that David is joining us. I’ve had the great pleasure of knowing him for 20 years and to have the opportunity to work alongside him when he’s at the peak of his powers is hugely exciting for me personally and for the business.
“David has unparalleled vision, experience and track record; he also has an undimmed appetite for innovation and transformative change. We aim to put his talents to good use as we grow an essential new model for development, place, stewardship, and behaviours and culture fit for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
“The old models of development have to die quickly. New models that can scale at pace to become the new mainstream and deliver the outcomes we need to heal social divisions, regenerate nature and help take us out of the climate emergency have to win. David knows a lot about winning. There is no role for business as usual”
Cowans will share the Chairmanship of Human Nature with co-founder Michael Manolson, a former Chairman of Greenpeace USA and Director of Greenpeace Canada.
