University COO takes on top job at Lincolnshire Housing Partnership

In addition, Mr Parkes spent more than eight years at the University of Lincoln, where he served as chief operating officer and deputy vice-chancellor, helping build strong connections across Lincolnshire’s communities.

The landlord said the appointment “follows an extensive recruitment process launched in December 2025, which attracted a strong field of candidates”. 

Mr Parkes is well known to LHP, having served as non-executive director from December 2018 to December 2024, during which time he also chaired the finance committee and was the senior independent director.

He is described as someone with “a strong alignment with LHP’s purpose” and brings “extensive leadership experience which will support us in delivering safe, high-quality homes and strengthening connections in our communities across Lincolnshire”.

Mr Parkes said: “I am grateful to the board for offering me the enormous privilege of serving our colleagues and our customers as chief executive officer of LHP.

“I look forward to meeting customers and colleagues, listening and learning about the things we do well and the things we might do even better. Working with our partners and our customers, we can help create places to be proud of and I am looking forward to getting started.”

He will start his new role from 7 April 2026.

Anthony Read, the landlord’s chair, said: “On behalf of the board of LHP, I’m delighted that Simon is joining us as chief executive officer. 

“Simon brings with him a wealth of experience in leading and managing change in large organisations. He has a strong customer focus and I’m looking forward to working with him as we continue to improve our services and communities.”

The board also thanked Shaun Harley for his leadership as the interim chief executive since July 2025.

LHP said he “provided stability and direction, and oversight of sustained performance and delivery of organisational change programmes, including the first phase of changes to our repairs service”.

Nicola Ebdon received praise for her support as interim deputy chief executive officer, alongside the wider executive team for their leadership throughout the recruitment period.