New members of the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone Programme Board announced

Following a recruitment process, the new board members will help provide strategic direction to the Royal Docks Team to drive forward regeneration and economic growth opportunities within the area. The board is also responsible for monitoring the implementation and delivery of the Royal Docks Delivery Plan and making recommendations on the allocation of funding generated by the uplift in business rates receipts through HM Government’s Enterprise Zone business rates retention scheme.

The Royal Docks is one of London’s largest regeneration and investment opportunities in London. Once the UK’s gateway to world trade, today the Royal Docks is re-emerging as a major new business and visitor destination, with investment delivering £10bn of Gross Development Value planned over the next 20 years, delivering up to 36,000 new homes, 55,000 new jobs and up to 4 million square feet of commercial space.

Daniel Bridge, Royal Docks Programme Director said: “This is an exciting moment for the Royal Docks regeneration programme. The new Board members bring incredible energy, knowledge and lived experience that will help shape the area’s future. We’re delighted to welcome them as we work towards our bold vision of creating a world-class waterfront destination - one that is inclusive, shaped with local communities, and delivers meaningful benefits for Londoners.”

Meet the board

Rokhsana Fiaz, Mayor of Newham, co-chair

Rokhsana Fiaz OBE has served as Executive Mayor of Newham since May 2018 and became Co-Chair of the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone Programme Board the same year. She leads the delivery of her Building a Fairer Newham plan, which focuses on creating a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous borough for all residents.

As portfolio lead for Inclusive Economy, Strategic Housing Delivery and Culture, Mayor Fiaz oversees major initiatives including community wealth building, place and economic regeneration, planning, and development—alongside an ambitious programme for delivering affordable social housing.

She also serves as London Councils’ lead for Data and Innovation and chairs the Local London Growth and Recovery Board. Prior to her mayoralty, she was CEO of a UNESCO-supported international charity and has led large-scale capital projects for local authorities, the European Commission, and the Council of Europe.

In recognition of her work, she was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 2009 for services to Black and Minority Communities.

Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, co-chair

Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, will now serve as Co-Chair of the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone Programme Board. Tom has been a member of the Board since April 2020, and his leadership will now play a central role in shaping the next phase of regeneration and inclusive growth across the Royal Docks.

Tom became Deputy Mayor in March 2020 and oversees the Mayor’s two affordable homes programmes, including ‘Building Council Homes for Londoners’ – the first-ever City Hall initiative dedicated to council homebuilding. He also leads on the Mayor’s work to improve the private rented sector, support community-led housing, commission services for rough sleepers, and address building safety.

Tom sits on the board of Barking Riverside Ltd and previously served for eight years on the London Assembly, including as Chair of the housing committee. A former Lewisham councillor and campaigner for Hope not hate, Tom brings a deep commitment to social equity and inclusive urban development. He is also a trustee of New Diorama Theatre in Camden.

Sam Gurney, board member

Sam Gurney has served as a valued member of the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone Programme Board since July 2020, originally appointed through the London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP). As Regional Secretary for the TUC London, East and South East since 2018, Sam brings decades of experience in labour relations, equality policy, and regional economic development.

His leadership on the Board continues to provide a vital perspective on inclusive growth, fair employment, and the role of trade unions in shaping sustainable regeneration. With previous roles at the TUC including Acting Head of the Equality and Strategy department and Policy Officer for international affairs, Sam also represented the UK on the Governing Body of the UN’s International Labour Organisation between 2009 – 2017.

A lifelong Londoner — born in Paddington, raised in North Kensington, and now living in Walthamstow — Sam is deeply committed to the future of East London. His continued involvement brings valuable insight, strategic thinking, and a strong commitment to ensuring the Royal Docks delivers benefits for all communities, especially working people.

Anyi Hobson, board member

Anyi Hobson is a strategic leader and founder of SEAM Advisory, specialising in embedding and linking environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into the built environment. With over 30 years of experience spanning real estate, retail, finance, cultural placemaking and sustainability regulations across the UK, Europe and the US, she brings a wealth of insight into inclusive regeneration, sustainable development, and long-term investment strategy.

Throughout her career, Anyi has delivered impactful work advising investors, developers and occupiers, and managing flagship portfolios for Grosvenor, Safra and Commerz Real. She has pioneered diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices through her SEAMless Spaces Framework. Her extensive background in asset management, stakeholder engagement and governance will provide valuable oversight and strategic direction to the Programme Board as it steers the next phase of regeneration in the Royal Docks.

Fluent in five languages and a frequent speaker on ESG and DEI, Anyi brings a truly global and intersectional perspective. Her appointment will strengthen the Board’s focus on delivering socially responsible, community-driven outcomes and fostering economic growth that is equitable, sustainable and resilient.

Rosa Rogina, board member

Rosa Rogina is an accomplished architect, curator, and educator with a deep commitment to cultural placemaking, public realm strategy, and inclusive design. As Director of the London Festival of Architecture, Rosa has worked extensively in the Royal Docks, delivering over 150 events and public realm interventions that have strengthened local identity, inspired creativity, and broadened community engagement.

A proud resident of Newham, Rosa brings invaluable local insight and a proven track record of empowering communities through design. Her work on initiatives such as the Pews and Perches design competition has showcased emerging talent and transformed underused spaces into vibrant, welcoming places for all.

With academic roles at the University of East London and a career spanning cultural programming and sustainability, Rosa brings a unique blend of creative leadership and strategic thinking. Her experience will support the Board’s ambition to position the Royal Docks as London’s Cultural Engine— celebrating its diversity and driving inclusive urban transformation.

Chris Choa, board member

Chris Choa is a globally recognised urban strategist and founder of OUTCOMIST, with over 20 years of experience in urban regeneration, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. A former Managing Director at AECOM, he has led major development projects around the world, including real estate, infrastructure, and airport city masterplans.

Chris brings deep governance and advisory expertise to the Board, having served in leadership roles with the Urban Land Institute, the Greater London Authority, and the Saudi Downtown Company. His work has consistently focused on shaping future cities through sustainable, transit-oriented design and long-term economic strategy.

A strong advocate for inclusive placemaking and community-focused growth, Chris will support the Board’s vision to position the Royal Docks as a thriving, forward-looking district that balances innovation, liveability, and opportunity. His appointment adds global insight and local commitment to the next chapter of the area’s regeneration.

Naciimo Cali, youth board member

Naciimo Cali is a passionate community advocate with a background in architecture, the built environment, and construction management. Living near Canning Town, she is deeply rooted in the local area and actively involved in community and youth initiatives across Newham. She currently serves as Secretary to the Board of E16 CLT and is a leading voice in Aston-Mansfield youth programme and supports with policy-focused work with ECPAT UK, where she supports young people in navigating complex housing and systematic challenges.

Naciimo has collaborated with Citizens UK and Newham Council to champion social justice, tackle housing inequality, and empower underrepresented communities. She brings strong public speaking, research, and mentoring experience—having delivered talks at TEDx and national public speaking competitions.

Her appointment reflects the Board’s commitment to meaningful youth representation and local insight. Naciimo’s voice and lived experience will be instrumental in shaping inclusive, community-led regeneration across the Royal Docks.

Find out more

For more information about the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone Programme Board, including agendas, meeting minutes and Terms of Reference visit Our boards