Executive team
By working closely with our Boards, our Executive team continually review our strategic direction, and consider new opportunities and approaches that will help our organisation to grow so we can make a real difference to even more people’s lives.
Anthony Duerden, Group Chief Executive
(01282) 686499
Twitter: @Calico_Anthony
Anthony returned to The Calico Group as Director of Customer Services in 2011 after working for Community Gateway Association for three years as Head of Property Services. Anthony, who is a qualified accountant, had previously worked at Calico as Head of Finance before he made the move into Asset Management. Anthony is a former member of the Board of Lancashire Housing Partnership Ltd. Anthony is also a White Ribbon UK ambassador.
Helen Thompson, Group Deputy Chief Executive
BA (Hons), MSc, CIHM
(01282) 686431
Twitter: @HelenT_Housing
Helen is the Group Deputy Chief Executive at Calico, responsible for the delivery of Calico’s services across the North West including affordable housing, construction, development, support, skills, employment and training, and care. Before gaining this role in 2018, Helen held a number of senior positions within the Calico Group with specialisms in neighbourhoods, communities and customer services. Helen is also an Executive Board member of Ring Stones – Maintenance and Construction.
Prior to joining Calico, Helen spent 7 years at Places for People in a range of housing roles including working directly with customers as a neighbourhood officer. Helen has an MSc from De Montfort University in Business for Housing, a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Manchester University and an ILM 7 qualification in Leadership Coaching and Mentoring.
Vicki Howard, Executive Director of Organisational Development
Bsc (Hons) MCIPD
(01282) 686481
Twitter: @calico_vicki
Vicki has almost 30 years experience as an HR professional, initially in the Transport and Retail sectors before joining Burnley Borough Council in 1998. She was part of the project team that delivered the Housing Stock Transfer in 2000, and has since played an instrumental role in the growth and success of The Calico Group.
Vicki has been responsible for delivering a People Strategy that recognises staff engagement as the route to business success, developing a values led organisation where people are happy and can thrive.
Vicki is also a licensed practitioner in psychometric tools, notably the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, which she uses extensively in the organisation to develop individuals and teams.
Chloe Christian, Executive Director of Finance
Chloe is the Executive Director for Finance for the Calico Group, joining the Group in 2021 initially as Director of Corporate Finance.
Chloe is responsible for providing financial leadership, leading on business planning, treasury management and financial management for the Group.
Prior to joining Calico in 2021, Chloe had spent over 20 years within the social housing sector, and has been the financial lead on two stock transfers in both Salford and Oldham.
Chloe has a breadth of both operational and and strategic financial experience within the not-for-profit sector and is passionate in contributing to make a real difference to peoples lives.
