Executive Team
CEO, Circle VHA
John Hannigan
John is CEO of Circle and a leading voice in social and affordable housing in Ireland. Since 2017, he has overseen Circle’s growth, securing major funding deals, expanding housing delivery, and building strategic partnerships. With 30+ years’ experience in housing, finance, and non-profits, he has held senior roles at Respond, Sunbeam House, and top firms including KPMG and EY. In the UK, he held executive roles with large social landlords. John is also Chair of the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Governing Board, shaping policy across Ireland and the UK.
John is CEO of Circle and a leading voice in social and affordable housing in Ireland. Since 2017, he has overseen Circle’s growth, securing major funding deals, expanding housing delivery, and building strategic partnerships. With 30+ years’ experience in housing, finance, and non-profits, he has held senior roles at Respond, Sunbeam House, and top firms including KPMG and EY. In the UK, he held executive roles with large social landlords. John is also Chair of the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Governing Board, shaping policy across Ireland and the UK.
Director of Services
Liz Clarke
Liz Clarke, Director of Services, she has over 18 years’ experience in expanding access to social housing, building sustainable communities and leading and delivery of housing models within the homeless sector and has led on quality standards, mergers, services and housing developments, training and strategic planning services to various charities and non-profit organisations.
Liz Clarke, Director of Services, she has over 18 years’ experience in expanding access to social housing, building sustainable communities and leading and delivery of housing models within the homeless sector and has led on quality standards, mergers, services and housing developments, training and strategic planning services to various charities and non-profit organisations.
Director of New Business Development
Zoe Moorhouse
Zoe joined Circle Housing in 2021. Zoe previously worked in the UK affordable housing sector for over 13 years, most recently at Peabody, one of London’s oldest and largest housing associations. She has extensive experience in managing the acquisition, planning, procurement and construction of high-density new build and refurbishment mixed-tenure and mixed-used developments. With a passion for place-making and design and quality, Zoe has led on several award-winning projects in the UK. In 2024, Zoe was appointed to Director of New Business Development.
Zoe joined Circle Housing in 2021. Zoe previously worked in the UK affordable housing sector for over 13 years, most recently at Peabody, one of London’s oldest and largest housing associations. She has extensive experience in managing the acquisition, planning, procurement and construction of high-density new build and refurbishment mixed-tenure and mixed-used developments. With a passion for place-making and design and quality, Zoe has led on several award-winning projects in the UK. In 2024, Zoe was appointed to Director of New Business Development.
Director of Asset Management
Colin Keating
Colin joined Circle in 2022, bringing over 20 years’ experience in building and construction. He leads the property management team, overseeing major multi-unit developments with a strong focus on health, safety, and sustainability. A licensed Principal Officer, Colin applies his technical expertise to support effective asset management through robust risk and policy frameworks. His work ensures high-quality environments for residents and long-term value for stakeholders.
Colin joined Circle in 2022, bringing over 20 years’ experience in building and construction. He leads the property management team, overseeing major multi-unit developments with a strong focus on health, safety, and sustainability. A licensed Principal Officer, Colin applies his technical expertise to support effective asset management through robust risk and policy frameworks. His work ensures high-quality environments for residents and long-term value for stakeholders.
Director of Finance (Interim)
Heather Ashton
Heather brings over 25 years of experience across the social housing, higher education, finance, retail, and manufacturing sectors. She has extensive expertise in strategic and financial planning, governance, treasury, mergers and acquisitions, business transformation, and performance improvement. Heather spent over a decade at Thirteen Housing Group, where she served as Executive Director of Resources and later Executive Director of Business Change and Improvement. Heather joined Campbell Tickell as an Associate in 2023 and has also held several Non-Executive roles across the housing and education sectors. She currently serves as a Board Member at Broadacres Housing Association.
Heather brings over 25 years of experience across the social housing, higher education, finance, retail, and manufacturing sectors. She has extensive expertise in strategic and financial planning, governance, treasury, mergers and acquisitions, business transformation, and performance improvement. Heather spent over a decade at Thirteen Housing Group, where she served as Executive Director of Resources and later Executive Director of Business Change and Improvement. Heather joined Campbell Tickell as an Associate in 2023 and has also held several Non-Executive roles across the housing and education sectors. She currently serves as a Board Member at Broadacres Housing Association.