Meet Stephen Willis

Stephen brings over 30 years of executive leadership in Higher Education with responsibility for finance and resources. He worked at the University of Leeds as Head of Group Financial Planning before serving as Chief Financial Officer for 22 years across Leeds Beckett, Hull and Durham Universities.

From September 2025 Stephen will become joint Managing Director of Kexgill Ltd, a provider of community-focussed and affordable student accommodation. He is also the Chair of Unipol Student Homes, a charity that owns and operates the National Codes/accreditation schemes for student housing.

A Chartered Management Accountant, Stephen has held numerous Non-Executive Director roles across a wide range of organisations over the last three decades.

He is deeply committed to the values and mission of Beyond Housing, firmly believing that everyone deserves a safe, secure home within a supportive and thriving community.

Having lived in towns across Yorkshire and Durham for the past 36 years, Stephen is a keen walker and loves to travel and experience different places and cultures.