Our chief executive Kate Davies has decided to step down after 18 years.
Kate, who earlier this month was awarded a CBE for services to housing in the Queen’s birthday honours list, started with legacy organisation Notting Hill Housing Trust on 21 June 2004.
Since overcoming significant initial challenges, the organisation has gone from strength to strength, becoming Notting Hill Genesis in 2018, now owning and managing more than 66,500 homes across London and the south-east.
Kate said: “I am proud to have led Notting Hill Genesis for so many years and am confident I will be leaving the organisation in a strong position to continue to thrive.
“My focus has always been on providing great services for our customers and giving them a home to be proud of, and while we don’t always get things right, I know the culture we have here will ensure we get better and better.
“I am leaving behind a very strong and diverse executive team ready to take on the huge challenges facing the sector.
Kate will continue as chief executive while we recruit a replacement, a process that we aim to start within the next few days.
Speaking about the early days, Kate said: “The initial task is always getting the basics sorted out – creating a single budget, introducing clear decision-making processes, modernising the governance and complying with our financial regulations.
“The trust had been running at a loss and was selling social housing just to make ends meet. I expected it would take at least two years to sort those issues out, but within 18 months we were able to start building homes again.
“My aim was to create a commercial but caring housing association that blends entrepreneurial drive with a passion for excellent services and concern for social housing tenants, homeless people and all those who need a home but can’t afford to buy or rent on the open market. I feel we have achieved that and know we will retain that mix.”
Over the last 18 years, Kate has overseen a large-scale development programme across all tenures, the creation of a private rent business that grew to become Folio London, introduced a new housing management model where every household has a named local officer who can provide advice and support and a merger that created one of the largest housing associations in the country.
She has also had a long-term commitment to diversity, supporting the careers of women and people of colour, both of which are reflected in the make-up of our executive board. Last month, Notting Hill Genesis was given a UNIFY Special Recognition Award at the G15 Ethnicity in Housing Awards, for our work as an organisation.
“I want to say a huge thank you to all my colleagues at Notting Hill Genesis, as well as in the wider sector, who have been so supportive over the past 18 years,” Kate added. “It has not always been an easy ride, but it has been a job I’ve always enjoyed, in a sector I am so passionate about.”
Ian Ellis, chair of Notting Hill Genesis, added: “Even before joining as chair in 2019 I was aware of what a steady and calming influence Kate had been for the organisation for so long, and working with her has reinforced my admiration of her leadership skills. Notting Hill Genesis has a great vision for improving residents’ homes, our estates and the services we provide, and thanks to Kate, the executive board and our amazing staff we are in a great position to turn that vision into a reality.”