EmpowerHer: Lead As You Are

Hannah Cooper

Group HR Director, LRG

Hannah began her HR career with a Business Honours degree, specializing in Human Resource Management at the University of the West of England, where she earned a 2:1. She then completed a Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in HRM while working in the biotechnology industry. Joining Leaders in 2013 as an HR Advisor, she progressed to Head of HR Operations, managing HR for over 3,000 employees. Now Group HR Director, Hannah ensures compliance with employment laws, promotes fair treatment, and oversees HR, recruitment, and employee development. LRG values its people, believing the business thrives due to its dedicated workforce.

Debra Yudolph

Founder & CEO, SAY

Debra, Founder and CEO of SAY, has over 25 years of expertise in residential property. SAY provides strategic operational asset advice for residential-led projects across the UK, Europe, and the UAE. Before founding SAY, Debra was Director of Asset and Property Management at Grainger plc for a decade. She is an authority in residential property, particularly in rental living and community development, advocating for the integration of economic viability into planning stages. In May 2024, she was named Residential Property Personality of the Year by Property Week. Debra also holds non-executive roles with several organizations, including Grove End Housing Limited.

Hanna Afolabi

Founder, BWRE (Black Women in Real Estate)

Hanna founded BWRE to connect and support Black women in property. As Managing Director of Mood and Space, she specializes in large-scale urban regeneration, including the £860M East Wick & Sweetwater project. She also serves as Vice Chair at the University of Greenwich and on Estates Gazette’s Diversity & Inclusion panel.

Peter Kavanagh

Executive Chairman, LRG

Having previously worked as a Chartered Surveyor, Peter joined Romans in May 1991 to establish Romans Professional Services, undertaking residential valuation and surveys for lenders and buyers. Peter was instrumental in developing Romans Professional Services into a much broader part of the business and in developing the Group’s land and planning services. In the years Peter has worked for the business, he has been responsible for many different departments enabling him to develop his operational expertise. Following the merger with Leaders in 2016 the Group has continued to expand across the UK and Peter’s detailed operational knowledge of the business was essential in his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In January 2024, Peter moved into the role of Chairman for LRG where he continues to lead the professional services teams, and also maintains his passion for supporting individuals’ progression, ensuring that LRG provides opportunities for everyone.

Anna Clare Harper

Anna Clare Harper, Co-Founder of GreenResi

Anna Clare Harper is Co-Founder of GreenResi, a software company on a mission to bring 10,000 homes back into use by 2030. She’s led over 300 residential deals (without tech), published three Amazon best-selling books, hosts a leading property podcast and has written for The Telegraph and The Financial Times. Anna also chairs the Cambridge University Land Society’s Residential Forum and is passionate about sharing knowledge to build a more sustainable, inclusive housing market.