Chief executive of MHS Homes to retire next Spring

The chief executive of MHS Homes has announced he will step down next Spring.

Ashley Hook joined the Kent-based organisation as a director in 2003 and has led the organisation since 2009.

A chartered surveyor by profession, Hook had been head of housing at the London Borough of Lewisham before joining mhs.

“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,” said Hook.

With more than 10,000 homes, charity MHS is believed to be the largest non-registered manager of social homes in the country.

It was one of the first such providers to gain access to grant funding to build affordable homes.

Hook said he was “confident” in the leadership team that will continue the organisation’s work after his departure in 2025 and said it had been “a joy to work” at mhs.

 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.”