Bernicia appoints assets and growth director

North East housing provider Bernicia has appointed David Pye as executive director of assets and growth ahead of launching its 2026-31 corporate strategy.

David will support delivery of the organisation’s next five-year plan, which includes a commitment to invest more than £400 million into homes, services and partnerships across the region.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining Bernicia’s executive team at such an exciting time of potential and possibility. 

“We are aiming to build more homes than ever before and to retain our focus on the quality of existing homes.

“At Bernicia, we feel a good home makes everything else possible, and that’s why we deliver great homes and services that do just that.”

Bernicia, one of the largest housing providers in the North East, supports more than 60,000 people and employs 650 colleagues. 

The new strategy aims to strengthen communities and create opportunities that improve quality of life.

David’s appointment reinforces Bernicia’s leadership team as it prepares to unveil its long-term growth and investment plans.

Bernicia chief executive John Johnston said: “The board and I are delighted to welcome David into the executive team.

“As director of assets at Bernicia, David played a pivotal role in developing a detailed understanding of the condition of our existing homes, and in developing and delivering programmes so they continued to meet agreed quality standards.

“This included a range of proactive investments in building and fire safety and in energy efficiency, to ensure residents continued to live in quality, safe and affordable homes.

“It’s great when we are able to appoint from within, and David’s dedication and knowledge on all property matters will be a great asset as he moves up to the executive team and assumes responsibility for our investment in both new and existing homes.”

David will succeed Michael Farr, who is retiring from this role in August, and John paid tribute to Michael.

He added: “When I became chief executive, Michael Farr was an early and vitally important appointment. 

“I want to thank Michael for the significant contribution he has made to Bernicia; it has been a pleasure to work with him over the years.

“I want to recognise the real value he brought to Bernicia, at what was an important time for the company. 

“He undoubtedly played a full and successful role in the evolution of Bernicia into the forward thinking and dynamic organisation it has become. 

“Because of people like Michael, we have been able to do more to support the communities of the North East.”

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