We’d like to thank our Chair, Emily Cox MBE, who will step down from her role in February after seven years. Emily worked for three years as our Chair, and previously as Chair of our People Committee.
During Emily’s tenure, Gentoo has seen a period of significant progress, strengthened governance and a renewed commitment to putting customers at the heart of the organisation.
Emily has played a pivotal role in guiding us through a period of significant investment. She led the development of our new 10 year corporate strategy and our vision to become the best provider of social homes in the country. Emily has championed our growth ambitions which will see Gentoo play its part in helping to address the growing demand for new social homes.
One of Emily’s most influential legacies is the introduction of Gentoo’s customer committee. The committee ensures that customers are truly at the heart of our decision making and scrutiny, helping us to shape the service we deliver today and in the future.
Under Emily’s leadership, Gentoo was awarded a C1 grading under the Regulator of Social Housing’s new Consumer Standards. She has consistently championed the link between great customer experience and strong culture, setting a strong foundation for the years ahead.
Reflecting on time as Chair at Gentoo, Emily said:
“This is a brilliant organisation, full of brilliant people who care deeply about our customers. In the last three years we have spent £1m every week in Sunderland on our existing homes. We have developed a bold ten-year strategy to build many more, much needed high-quality homes. We have solid finances and our customers are at the heart of all our decisions.
I leave this organisation with a strong Board, an outstanding Executive Team and a talented new Chair. It is difficult to put into words what Gentoo means to me, but I am extremely proud of this organisation and everything it has achieved.”
Emily officially steps down as Chair at the end of the month when we welcome Claire Long as our new Group Chair.
We're pleased to announce the appointment of Claire, who takes up the role having been on the board since 2020.
Claire takes on the Chair role at a key time for Gentoo as we deliver our ambitious 10 year strategy and our vision to become the best provider of social homes in the country.
Claire is the Finance Director at a Newcastle-based law firm, Muckle LLP. She previously spent a significant part of her career working in senior finance roles at Procter & Gamble.
Speaking of her appointment, Claire said:
“I’m delighted to be appointed as Gentoo’s new Group Chair at such an important and exciting time for the organisation. Having served on the Board since 2020, I have seen the genuine passion that exists across Gentoo to provide safe, affordable and high‑quality homes for the people of Sunderland.
As we deliver on our ambitious 10‑year strategy, my focus will be on maintaining strong governance, supporting our growth plans, and ensuring our customers continue to shape the services we provide.
I would like to thank Emily for her exceptional leadership and the lasting legacy she leaves. I am honoured to take on this role and to work alongside colleagues, customers and partners as we continue our journey to become the best provider of social homes in the country.”
