Homes England’s top leadership is changing as both the CEO and chair vacate their roles.
- Peter Denton, the current CEO, plans to step down in the New Year after four years of service.
- Peter Freeman, the chair, will depart only after his successor is appointed later in 2025.
- An interim chief executive, Eamonn Boylan, has been appointed to ensure continuity from mid-January 2025.
- Efforts are underway to find permanent replacements for these pivotal positions to continue Homes England’s mission.
Homes England, the governmental body responsible for housing and regeneration in the UK, faces a significant leadership change as both its chief executive and chair are preparing to step down. Peter Denton, the highly-regarded CEO, has announced his intention to leave his position in the New Year after successfully guiding the agency through challenging economic times. His departure marks the end of a four-year period during which the agency met its key targets while remaining committed to its core goal of aiding housing and regeneration across the country.
Peter Freeman, who has served as the chair of Homes England alongside Denton, is also stepping down. However, Freeman intends to remain in his post until a suitable successor is found later in 2025. This transition period is critical to maintaining stability within the agency, especially as it continues its efforts in delivering important projects like the substantial increase in affordable housing across the UK.
To ensure minimal disruption during this transition, Eamonn Boylan has been appointed as the interim chief executive of Homes England, starting from 15 January 2025. Boylan brings with him experience from his previous roles as a deputy chief executive at Manchester City Council and the Homes & Communities Agency, the predecessor of Homes England. His appointment is aimed at providing continuity of leadership and assuring stakeholders of the agency’s ongoing dedication to its objectives.
The departing leaders have expressed confidence in the agency’s future, highlighting its achievements under their guidance, including supporting the government’s ambitious target of constructing 1.5 million homes. Denton and Freeman’s tenure also saw renewed collaborations with local councils and mayors, facilitating substantial local growth plans and initiatives. These developments have positioned Homes England as a significant force in the housing sector, particularly in the delivery of new social housing projects.
The process of securing their permanent replacements is underway, with professional headhunters commissioned to identify leaders capable of advancing Homes England’s strategic goals. The new leadership team will be expected to build on the foundation established by their predecessors, ensuring the agency remains instrumental in fulfilling national housing needs and regeneration schemes.
The leadership change at Homes England marks a pivotal moment, paving the way for new strategic directions.
