Peter Denton, the current chief executive of Hyde Group, has been confirmed as the new head of Homes England.
When news of Denton’s appointment emerged yesterday morning, neither Homes England or Hyde were able to provide confirmation.
But in a statement late yesterday afternoon, Homes England said the appointment marks a “new phase for the agency”.
Robert Jenrick described Denton’s appointment as part of an “important reset” for the organisation, coinciding with the confirmation of new chair Peter Freeman in October of last year.
The Housing secretary said: “Together with Peter Freeman he will lead the renewal of Homes England, focusing on levelling-up and regeneration, high-quality new housing and infrastructure, and supporting small and medium builders to create a more dynamic and competitive housing market.”
Denton will join the government’s housing delivery agency later this year following the departure of Nick Walkley in February.
Gordon More, who has been acting as chief executive, delayed his retirement plans to support the agency during its search for a new head.
Background: Peter Denton
Peter Denton has been chief executive of Hyde since September 2019, after serving two and half years as group Finance director.
Denton’s prior career includes senior roles within pan-European real estate as well as investment banking.
He has worked for real estate investment management firm Starwood Capital, as well as in banking roles for BNP Paribas, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, Eurohypo, and WestImmo.
Denton currently serves a non-executive real estate investment committee member for global investment company Eurazeo.
Homes England chair Peter Freeman said Denton’s experience would be “invaluable”.
Freeman said: “Peter brings two powerful qualities to Homes England. He has deep experience of real estate banking and investment, including raising funds and managing portfolios across Europe.
“This will be invaluable in raising additional capital from the private sector to support Homes England’s government-funded work.
“Secondly, in leaving a successful career in the commercial sector to join a major housing association, first as chief financial officer and then as chief executive, Peter has displayed enormous personal commitment to marrying financial discipline and social purpose.
“I have no doubt that he will be an outstanding leader, with his unique skillset helping us build the homes the country needs.”
‘More and better homes on a national scale’
Commenting on the move, Denton said: “The government has an ambitious agenda of not just more homes but decent, affordable, safe, energy-efficient ones that sit well in their community and landscape. I cannot wait to help realise that ambition.”
Reflecting on his departure from Hyde, he said: “Although it is incredibly hard to leave Hyde, this is the right decision.
“Heading up Homes England means that I can be instrumental in delivering more and better homes on a national scale.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Hyde and am incredibly proud of all we have achieved.”
Hyde chair Alan Collett said: “Peter has made a huge impact in his time as chief executive of the Hyde Group.
“He has been innovative in his approach and driven in his ambition to provide more homes in London and the south east [England].
“This appointment will give his passion, enthusiasm, and talents a national platform; and I know that he will make an enormous contribution to delivering more and better homes that the country desperately needs.”
Image: Peter Denton
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