Stephen was awarded a CBE in the 2018 New Year Honours.

Stephen has worked in housing for over 42 years culminating in being the chief executive of Peabody for 13 years. Peabody is one of London’s largest and oldest housing regeneration charities. Stephen led the growth and development of Peabody into becoming one of the capital’s leading developers of new homes. In this role he led the acquisition of much of Thamesmead and the development of plans for the regeneration of the area involving the proposed development of 20,000 homes and a new town centre. Stephen also promoted the development of a range of community programmes for disadvantaged communities.

In recognition of his contribution to the built environment, he was made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2017.

Stephen is also heavily involved in education. He was Chair and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Greenwich until 31 July 2017 and is now the Chair of London and South East Colleges, a group of further education colleges and academies in South East London.