Chief executive and chair of Homes England to step down

Housing and planning minister Matthew Pennycook said: “On behalf of the government, I would like to thank Peter Freeman and Peter Denton for their leadership of the agency over recent years.

“Their efforts have been integral to reshaping Homes England into an effective national housing and regeneration agency that is increasingly focused on exemplary place-based regeneration and placemaking as well as new housing supply.

“I wish both Peters all the best in their future endeavours. The new chair and interim chief executive will be working at pace to implement the priorities set out in the recent letter from the housing minister, with a strong focus on boosting growth through the delivery of new housing supply and place-based regeneration.”

Mr Denton was chief executive of The Hyde Group for almost two years after working as the social landlord’s chief financial officer.

He has worked in a broad range of strategic leadership roles, with 30 years of pan-European real estate experience.

Before joining the housing sector, Mr Denton spent his earlier career in investment banking and then became a partner at global real estate investment management firm Starwood Capital.

During his investment career, he deployed more than €25bn of capital. He has also held senior EMEA real estate investment banking roles at BNP Paribas, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, Eurohypo and WestImmo.

Mr Denton said his work with Mr Freeman at Homes England has “reflected a period of intense activity and achievement” for the agency.

“We successfully navigated the transition to being a fully fledged and empowered housing and regeneration agency delivering strongly, especially in affordable housing, and initiating many catalytic regeneration projects throughout the country,” he said.

“The agency is excited to help the government realise its target of 1.5 million homes, and to offer capacity and capability to the mayors and local councils to deliver their local growth plans, including the largest delivery of new social housing in two generations. 

“This will require a leadership team with a time horizon extending beyond the period I had originally set for myself. It’s important, therefore, that 2025 sees a new chair and a new chief executive taking on this incredible fresh mandate.”

Mr Denton added: “Finally, I would like to thank my incredible agency colleagues for the expertise and remarkable dedication and energy they bring to the task of social equity and ensuring everyone has a decent home.”

Meanwhile, Mr Freeman has been a non-executive director on a number of property companies and a trustee of several charities connected with education, combating intolerance, and public performance art.

He set up the Argent Group of property companies with his brother in 1981, a firm that is known for major mixed-use projects.

Mr Freeman said: “The agency has a vital role managing many of the government’s interventions to accelerate housing and regeneration across the country by supporting our partners in local government, affordable housing and housebuilding.

“It has been a privilege chairing the organisation since 2020 and working closely with our partners and incredible staff operating from offices across the country.

“Under Peter Denton’s leadership, despite economic headwinds, the agency has met its targets and increasingly demonstrated its pivot back to a place-based organisation. 

“I look forward to continuing to lead the agency until my successor is appointed, and will then focus my attentions on my role as chair of the Cambridge Growth Company.”

Incoming interim chief executive Mr Boylan will bring more than 42 years of experience in public sector roles.

His career has included serving as deputy chief executive of Manchester City Council, chief executive of Stockport Council, and deputy chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency, a predecessor of Homes England.

He said: “I am ready to help rise to the challenges ahead and deliver on the government’s goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes during this parliament, while also creating more vibrant, thriving communities.

“My primary focus will be to build on the strong foundation laid by Peter Denton – strengthening our partnerships, empowering local leaders, and driving the delivery of housing that makes a real difference to lives. I know I’m joining a talented and dedicated team, and together with the wider sector, I am confident we will rise to the challenges ahead.”