Former banker confirmed as new Homes England chief executive

Former banker and housing association chief executive Peter Denton has now been officially confirmed as the new chief executive of Homes England.

Peter Denton, chief executive of Hyde Group, will take over at the helm of the agency later this year, with responsibility for administering a new £11.5bn Affordable Homes Programme and a stake of around £14bn in homes acquired through the Help to Buy.

Denton (pictured) will be tasked with leading what housing secretary Robert Jenrick has this week called an “important reset” of the agency’s function, focusing more on regeneration.

The role of the agency is currently under review by chair Peter Freeman. Building’s sister title Housing Today revealed in April that the review may also recommend tough new sustainability standards.

See also: Who is Peter Denton? Six things you need to know about the new Homes England boss

Jenrick said: “I am delighted to welcome Peter Denton as chief executive of Homes England, as part of an important reset for the organisation.

“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.”

Before making the move into the non-profit housing association sector, Denton worked in investment banking and then moved to global real estate investment management firm Starwood Capital. He has also held real estate investment banking roles at BNP Paribas, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, Eurohypo and WestImmo.

Homes England’s 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 CFO and then as CEO 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.”

Denton replaces Nick Walkley as permanent chief executive, who quit suddenly in February for unspecified “personal reasons” amid rumours of a disagreement with Jenrick.

The agency’s chief investment officer Gordon More will continue to act as interim chief executive before retiring.