Executive team

Rob’s passion for placemaking has driven a career in property and housebuilding that spans almost 30 years.  He founded the company in 2003, and his focus on innovation, infrastructure, community and collaboration has positioned Thakeham as an industry leader.

Rob is a champion for meaningful change within the sector. He is a founding member of the HBF’s Future Homes Taskforce and Thakeham was the first housebuilder in the UK to sign the SME Climate Commitment, part of the UN’s Race To Zero Campaign.

As CEO and part-owner, Rob’s role is to set the company aims and mission. To provide unified leadership, setting and shaping the strategic goals, objectives and delivery for the short and long term. He is also responsible for promoting the business externally and overseeing growth plans.

As Chief Investment Officer, Alastair leads the day-to-day operations of the business in accordance with the strategic plan and operating and capital budgets. His role is to bring CEO’s vision to life and ensure implementation of company strategies into daily operations.

Alastair brings 30 years property experience focussed on asset management and funding. Prior to joining Thakeham in March 2024, Alastair served as Managing Director of Hargreaves Group for eight years, overseeing its transition from founder run to executive management. He was the first non-family member to hold the position of Managing Director. Alastair is MRICS – Chartered Surveyor.

Claire is responsible for positioning Thakeham favourably amongst house-buyers, key stakeholders, local and national government and the housebuilding and construction industry.

Claire has two decades of experience in communications, corporate affairs and public affairs and is a former UK government special advisor to two Secretaries of State for Transport. With extensive experience managing large teams in the engineering and transport sectors, Claire is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a trustee of the Air League, the largest charity provider of aviation bursaries in the UK.  She is Chair of the Communications Group of the Future Homes Hub.

Tony is the Chief Financial Officer for Thakeham and plays a pivotal role in managing the company’s assets, ensuring financial stability and growth, and reinforcing our commitment to excellence in financial management and strategic planning. He is responsible for all elements of accounting and finance business partnering within the company. He is also responsible for the day-to-day management of IT.

Prior to joining Thakeham in 2021, he gained valuable experience across various industries including integrated transport services, construction, nuclear/chemical sectors, specialist manufacture and material handling industries. Tony is FCCA – Certified Accountant qualified with 27 years post qualification experience within a wide range of finance areas.

Barbara is a serving Board Member, and a valuable part of the company since 2018. As Non-Executive Director at Thakeham, she is responsible as part of the board for the success of the company.

Barbara is a retired senior HR Executive who spent 23 years with Warner Bros, global media and entertainment company. As Senior Vice President of International HR she had responsibility for all aspects of Human Resources and organisational development for all businesses in all territories worldwide, with the exception of North America, reporting to the Executive Vice President of Worldwide HR based in Burbank California. She also managed all people aspects of numerous Mergers and Acquisitions, both global and local.