Sunderland-based housing association creates new position in bid to become ‘customer-focused property organisation’

Gentoo has promoted Marc Edwards to its newly-created position of executive director of property.

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Gentoo has promoted Marc Edwards to its newly-created position of executive director of property.

The 29,000-home housing association has created the position as it is combining its property investment, maintenance and sustainability functions.

Edwards, who has worked at Gentoo since 2019 and is currently director of asset and sustainability, will take up his new role on 1 September.

A spokesperson for the Sunderland-based provider said: “The new role combines the current property investment, maintenance, and sustainability functions as one team and will create a customer-focused property organisation delivering best in class services to our customers.”

Over the past few years, Edwards has led on strategic investment at Gentoo and helped deliver multi investment programmes including energy improvement schemes which have taken 75% of Gentoo’s customers’ homes to EPC C and the modernisation and investment in several of Gentoo’s high-rise buildings.

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In addition to his roles at Gentoo, Edwards has also worked for North Star Housing Group, Tyne Housing and Isos Housing in various maintenance and property services leadership roles.

Louise Bassett, chief executive officer at Gentoo, said: “I’m delighted to be able to announce news of Marc’s promotion. This promotion is a testament to the talent, leadership and drive Marc has shown since starting at Gentoo nearly six years ago.

“This appointment is another great example that demonstrates the group’s commitment to invest in and develop its people. I would like to congratulate Marc on his appointment and wish him the best of luck in his new role.”