Meet Our Executive Group

John Bowker - Chief Executive

John joined Southway as Chief Executive in July 2024 and has worked in housing for 28 years for a number of organisations. His most recent role before coming to Southway was Executive Director of Operations at Stockport Homes Group where he was responsible for all property and neighbourhood services.

Having worked at all levels in housing, John is passionate about achieving the highest levels of staff engagement, motivation and productivity to ensure customers receive the best service and value for money.

John grew up in Manchester and has a deep-rooted commitment to its communities. He will lead Southway’s new strategy with a focus on community investment, quality landlord services, building new affordable homes and tenant engagement.

Jane Gant - Executive Director of Landlord and Community Services

Jane has been with Southway since 2007 and was part of the leadership team that set up Southway. She has been Executive Director of Landlord and Community Services since March 2024.

She has worked in the social housing sector for over 30 years and has experience as an executive across services from major investment programmes and new build, to housing management and customer services.

Jane is currently responsible for strategy and delivery of all our housing and tenancy services, customer voice and experience teams, building safety, repairs, maintenance, sustainability, and community investment.

Jane is passionate about providing excellent services and really good quality homes and making sure tenants voices directly influence and shape decisions and services.

David Clermont - Executive Director of Finance and Business Development

David has been Chief Financial Officer since 2015. He joined Southway in 2008 as the Head of Finance, shortly after the housing stock was transferred from Manchester City Council, overseeing the delivery of the £100 million+ stock investment programme.

David is a Chartered Accountant, with over 30 years' experience in social housing. Previously, he worked as an auditor in practice and at the Housing Corporation, the regulator of the sector, assessing the financial viability and regulatory compliance of housing associations.

At Southway, David maintains our strong financial position, ensuring funds are available to finance future development projects, and preparing annual Business Plans and Budgets which assess the strategic priorities and the financial risks the organisation faces.

David also has responsibility for Southway's Value for Money Strategy, in addition to continuing to deliver financial results and levels of community investment which see Southway well-placed in a range of sector benchmarks and VFM metrics.

Paul Howes - Executive Director of Corporate Services

Paul joined Southway in 2025 from Stockport Homes where he led on a range of services from marketing and communications to technology and digital transformation.

At Southway he has responsibility for the organisation’s corporate functions that support business development and the delivery of frontline services to customers.

These include human resources and organisational development, technology and systems, communications and corporate governance. His role will be critical in ensuring Southway delivers the objectives and priorities within the new 5-year Corporate Plan. Paul is also the Officer responsible for Consumer Standards. 

Matthew Maouati - Assistant Director of Corporate Services

Matthew has worked for Southway since the stock transfer in 2007. His remit includes managing the schedule and meetings for Southway's Board and Committee members, Data Protection, and Performance and Risk Management.

Prior to joining the Executive Team, Matthew spent a number of years working in the Housing Management Services. He is passionate about our communities, committed to ensuring that Southway delivers a quality service, and always seeking out new and innovative approaches for Southway to advance and improve.