Joanne Oak, Group Chief Executive

Joanne is a qualified accountant with over 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles across the public and third sectors.

She previously worked as the Director of Strategy and Corporate Services at Social Care Wales, a care and support organisation.

Jo is also a passionate Board member of Bridgend College, and a Trustee for Building Communities Trust.

She joined us in May 2020.

Huw Lewis, Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services

Huw is a experienced accountant with over 30 years of expertise in senior leadership roles, primarily within the commercial sector. His career includes serving as Chief Financial Officer for both the Royal Mint and Cardiff Airport, where he played pivotal roles in financial strategy and management.

A resident of Bridgend, Huw joined Valleys to Coast in December 2023 as an interim Executive Director and became a permanent member of our team in March 2024. In addition to his role with us, Huw is actively involved in his community as a non-executive Board member of Swim Wales and serves as treasurer for the local surf life saving club, Pen-y-Bont SLSC.

Huw’s extensive background and dedication to both his profession and community bring invaluable expertise and leadership to our organisation.

Emma Howells
Emma Howells, Executive Director of Housing, Communities and Customers

Emma has worked in the housing sector in both Wales and England for over 20 years, she has held leadership roles in Trivallis, United Welsh, and the London Borough of Camden, delivering a range of housing-related services.

Emma has a special interest in customers’ voices, restorative working, and innovative service design.

She joined us in January 2020.

Matt Lucas, Director of Technology, Digital and Data

Matt is an experienced IT leader, with a widely varied IT background covering Military, Mining, Healthcare, Central Government and now Housing. He joined us in February 2025, and brings that breadth of experience along with a real focus on excellent digital customer interactions and continuous improvement. Outside of work he enjoys the outdoors, taking long walks on the Quantocks with his two black Labradors and riding his mountain bike.

James Griffiths, Managing Director of Development and Regeneration

James started his career within the construction industry as an apprentice carpenter progressing to leadership roles in both operational and strategic positions overseeing a wide range of projects across Wales & England. James has a passion for regeneration, focusing on community driven development, creating positive change within communities leading to commercial & community opportunities.