Ashley Hook has made the decision to step down as Chief Executive of mhs homes in spring 2025.
Ashley joined the organisation as a director in 2003 and has served as CEO since 2009. He said: “I love my job and it has been a real privilege to lead the organisation for 15 years – but the time is right to step down.
“I’m confident we have in place an incredibly talented Leadership Team that will drive the organisation forward with strong values, integrity and ambition.”
Ashley spoke of his pride in the team at mhs homes. “It’s been a joy to work in an organisation with such a customer-focused and ‘can do’ attitude, and with partners that have supported us every step of the way.”
Under Ashley’s leadership, mhs homes has continued to take a unique and innovative approach to social housing. With over 10,000 homes, it’s the largest non-registered social landlord.
In a break with convention, it was one of the first non-registered housing providers to gain access to grant funding to build affordable homes and to create a registered provider subsidiary. It has been a business model that has served customers and communities well and enabled the organisation to grow by 25% during Ashley’s tenure, whilst retaining its independence.
Nigel Hopkins, chair of mhs homes Group Board, said: “On behalf of the Board, together with our staff, customers and partners I’d like to thank Ash for everything he has achieved. Under his strong leadership the organisation has driven forward its ambition to help end the housing crisis, providing thousands of homes for the people who need them most.
“Ash is passionate about the communities we serve, and he’s been a champion for Medway and north Kent, its people and its places. He’s worked tirelessly for more than 20 years and leaves the organisation in a strong position to continue providing quality homes and services across the region.
“He will be greatly missed by us all, and we wish him well in his retirement.”