SNG announces Executive Leadership transitions as we amalgamate group structure
SNG is set to amalgamate our group structure on 31 March 2025 and as this takes place, Deputy Chief Executive, Helen Evans, Executive Director of Development (London and Hertford), David Gooch, and Executive Director of Operations (London & Hertford), Gerry Doherty, will be leaving the organisation.
SNG was formed on 1 October 2023, through Sovereign Housing Association and Network Homes coming together. Since merging, both organisations have continued operating separately under a group structure to enable a planned transition to the new single organisation, protecting the delivery of services to customers and the building of affordable homes.
Helen Evans, who was Chief executive of Network Homes for 12 years before its merger with Sovereign will continue to be active in the sector in Non-Executive roles and other projects. David Gooch is planning to take a break from work before exploring interim and Board Member roles, while Gerry Doherty will be embarking on new opportunities within the sector.
Mark Washer, Group CEO of SNG said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Helen, David and Gerry for their strong leadership and significant contributions which have been instrumental in establishing SNG as a newly merged organisation that will make a lasting positive impact on people and communities over generations. Each leaves a legacy to be proud of and we wish them all the best for the future.”
Helen Evans said: “I have worked in social housing for more than 40 years, starting as a Housing Officer and culminating in 12 fulfilling years leading Network Homes as Chief Executive. I am proud of Network’s achievements and positive contribution to many people’s lives and delighted that the merger ensures that SNG will be able to invest in building new homes to meet acute housing in London, as well as investing in homes and services. I would like to thank everyone I have worked with over the years for their support and commitment. Our merger has enabled us to do so much more for our current and future customers. I know SNG is in safe and capable hands under Mark Washer’s leadership to overcome the sector’s challenges and seize the opportunities ahead and I look forward to seeing its continued success”.
David Gooch, who was Executive Director of development (London and Herts) at Network Homes for 8 years and then at SNG said, “It has been incredibly rewarding to have led the delivery of the New Homes and the Building Safety Remediation Programmes which have made a real difference to people’s lives. I want to thank my many talented colleagues and our partners for their commitment and collaboration on so many great projects. I look forward to seeing SNG delivering on its strong ambitions to build 25,000 new homes over the next decade”.
Gerry Doherty, who was Executive Director for Customer Service at Network Homes for 10 years before becoming Executive Director of Operations (London and Hertford) at SNG said: “It’s been a great privilege to work for an organisation with such a strong social purpose. I’m incredibly proud of and grateful for the dedication of our teams who work tirelessly to support our customers. As I move on to new opportunities, I’m confident SNG will continue to go from strength to strength”.