New CEO takes the reins at Sunderland-based Gentoo Group

Sunderland housing association Gentoo Group has kicked off 2019 by welcoming a new chief executive.

CEO Nigel Wilson is tasked with leading the organisation’s executive team and 1,200-strong workforce as he takes the reins from interim chief exec David Jepson.

The former boss of Manchester’s Wythenshawe Community Housing Group, Nigel has worked in the social housing sector for 30 years.

He started out as a housing officer before moving into a leadership position on the back of roles in tenant participation and resident engagement.

Nigel’s appointment follows a number of hires to the group’s senior team and board. Carol Long joined the board in the autumn and Pete Lenehan set to take on the role of executive director of finance in February.

Gentoo Group chair Keith Loraine OBE said: “This is a very exciting time for Gentoo and I am thrilled to welcome Nigel to lead our fantastic team.

“I am confident that a Chief Executive of his calibre and experience will continue the great work Gentoo Group does to make a positive difference to the lives of its customers.”

Nigel said of his appointment: “I am delighted to be starting the New Year at Gentoo.

“I have been working with the team over the last few months and have been really inspired by everyone’s commitment to delivering great services to our customers. It has achieved so much over the years and this success is something that I want to build on.”

He added: “Sunderland is a fantastic city with an ambitious vision for its future. I am looking forward to getting to know it and its people.”

Plans to put Nigel Wilson at the helm were first announced in August last year.

Gentoo manages 29,000 social housing properties across Sunderland. Its profit-for-purpose commercial arm, Gentoo Homes, builds over 200 homes for private sale annually.

In October the group announced Planet Smart – a new drive to slash its impact on the environment.

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