Gentoo Group makes executive team appointments

A housing association has made two appointments to its executive team.

Sunderland-based Gentoo Group has appointed Diane Carney as executive director of property, with Susie Thompson taking on the role of executive director of housing.

Formerly the group’s director of property, bosses say Diane will continue with her responsibilities for property maintenance, investment and estate services.

They say Susie will progress from her current position as director of housing with responsibility for housing management and tenancy support services including victim support, domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour, wellbeing and the group’s Money Matters service.

Both Diane and Susie have more than 20 years’ experience in social housing.

Diane spent her early career with Gentoo in housing operations and for the past five years has held leadership positions in property maintenance and property investment.

Susie’s career has been predominately in housing operations and for the past seven years she has led Gentoo’s housing operations teams.

They join chief executive Nigel Wilson, executive director of corporate services Louise Bassett, and executive director of finance Peter Lenehan.

Nigel said: “Diane and Susie have demonstrated outstanding leadership at Gentoo since I joined in 2019 and I am delighted the board have recognised this by permanently appointing them to our executive team.”

Keith Loraine, Gentoo Group’s chair, added: “The board recognises the significant contribution, commitment and leadership of both Diane and Susie, which has involved supporting the executive team and steering the group’s housing and property functions through the global pandemic.”