Former Housing Ombudsman Leader Joins Ctrl AI as Housing Sector Prepares for Awaab’s Law Changes
Ctrl AI appoints Jennifer Ryans as Director of Strategic Partnerships
London, UK, 1 September 2026: As housing providers prepare for tighter complaint-handling requirements and the next phase of Awaab’s Law, Ctrl AI, the AI-enabled dispute resolution platform developed by operational leaders from the legal world, today announces the appointment of Jennifer Ryans as Director of Strategic Partnerships (Housing & Alternative Dispute Resolution).
The appointment marks a significant growth milestone for Ctrl AI as it expands its work across the housing, ombudsman and wider dispute resolution sectors. Ryans will lead strategic partnerships across these sectors, helping organisations understand, adopt and manage AI technology in ways that improve services, increase efficiency and deliver better outcomes.
Ryans brings more than a decade of senior leadership experience across dispute resolution and housing. She previously served as Head of Dispute Resolution at the Housing Ombudsman and was Deputy Chief Operating Officer at the Pensions Ombudsman. She currently serves as Non-Executive Director at The Property Ombudsman, a position she will continue alongside her role at Ctrl AI.
Her appointment comes at a time when housing providers, ombudsman services and alternative dispute resolution organisations are facing increasing caseloads, rising regulatory pressures and growing demands to deliver efficient, transparent and accountable services.
Awaab’s Law Phase 2 comes into force on 30 November 2026 and will introduce legal deadlines for dealing with a much wider range of housing issues. Housing providers and their advisers are currently working on how they will meet these deadlines and demonstrate that they have complied with them. Ryans’ appointment will strengthen Ctrl AI’s knowledge of the housing sector and help organisations use AI in a practical and responsible way during these changes and beyond.
Anup Kollanethu, Co-Founder and CEO, Ctrl AI, commented, “Jennifer’s experience is truly unique. She understands the challenges facing housing providers, ombudsman services and dispute resolution organisations from both operational and strategic perspectives.
As demand for our expertise continues to grow, Jennifer’s insight, credibility and deep sector knowledge will be invaluable in helping clients adopt AI confidently, safely and responsibly. We’re delighted to welcome her to the team.”
Jennifer Ryans, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Ctrl AI, added, “After many years leading change, improving services and driving efficiencies across the ombudsman and housing sectors, I’ve seen first-hand the challenges organisations face in meeting growing demand while maintaining high standards of service. I believe AI has the potential to transform these sectors more profoundly than any change programme I’ve worked on to date.
I care deeply about these sectors and the people they serve. I’m excited to help organisations realise the benefits of AI while maintaining the trust, fairness and accountability that matter most.”
Ctrl AI was founded in 2024 to help organisations manage complex disputes and decisions through AI-powered analysis, structured reasoning and transparent, auditable decision support. Its platform combines human expertise with AI-driven assessment to improve speed and consistency while ensuring that accountable decision-making remains with people.