Joining later this year, Denton will replace Gordon More who has been acting as CEO since the departure of Nick Walkley in February. Homes England said More had delayed his plans to retire while a new boss was being sought.
Denton joined housing association, Hyde Group, in 2017 as group finance director, following appointments in various strategic leadership roles and spending 26 years in pan-European real estate.
Denton’s earlier career was in investment banking, after which he moved to global real estate investment management firm Starwood Capital. Here, he worked as a “bridge” between the public, private and third sector.
He has also held senior EMEA real estate investment banking roles at BNP Paribas, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, Eurohypo and WestImmo.
Peter Freeman, the agency’s chair, said: “Peter brings two powerful qualities to Homes England. He has deep experience in 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.”
Robert Jenrick, Housing secretary, 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.”
