Taking up the role of chief investment officer at Homes England later this year, Simon Century’s appointment marks a key leadership change as the government’s housing and regeneration agency enters a critical new phase.
Century has worked at financial services group, Legal & General (L&G) for more than nine years, as its head of capital investing, previously working at Inspired Villages, a developer of later living accommodation in partnership with L&G, as its chairman.
He will join the government’s housing and regeneration agency this September, will oversee its investment strategy, including the establishment of the National Housing Bank.
“I’m delighted to be joining Homes England to lead the agency’s investment activities,” Century said.
“I look forward to continuing to work closely with partners to enable sustainable and innovative investment in housing and regeneration.”
Homes England’s interim CEO, Eamonn Boylan welcomed the appointment, while thanking interim chief investment officer, Marcus Ralling for his contribution following David Bridges seven-month tenure in the role.
“Simon brings a wealth of experience from roles in the investment and housing sectors and will be a great addition to the agency’s leadership team.”
Century’s arrival comes during a significant period of change at Homes England.
Boylan, who until recently served as chief executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, stepped in as interim CEO in January after the departure of Peter Denton earlier this year.
While, in parallel, Pat Ritchie was appointed interim chairwoman of the agency last month, following the announcement that chairman Peter Freeman would step down after four years in post.
While no details have been given for Boylan’s role end date, Ritchie is expected to be in the hotseat for up to 18 months to “provide stability and momentum to Homes England while it continues to play a vital role in delivering this government’s housing agenda”.
The leadership reshuffle comes as Labour’s government set out its ambitious housing plans, including raising annual housebuilding targets to 370,000 to deliver 1.5 million homes by 2029 and injecting £39 billion into its Affordable Homes Programme over 10 years.
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