Our Executive Director of Finance, Pete Lenehan, will retire this summer after seven years with us.
Pete joined Gentoo in 2019 and has made a lasting contribution to our financial strength and governance. During his time with us, he led a major overhaul of our funding arrangements and supported our return to the highest governance rating from the Regulator of Social Housing. In 2024, following our routine planned inspection, we were also awarded the top C1 consumer standards rating.
Before joining Gentoo, Pete held senior finance roles at Coast and Country Housing and North Star Housing Group, and played an important part in the creation of Beyond Housing through the merger of Coast and Country Housing and Yorkshire Coast Homes in 2018. He began his career in social housing with Home Group in 2007.
Pete will be succeeded by Paul Wright, our current Director of Finance and Procurement. Paul joined us in 2021 and has made a significant contribution to our financial strategy and long term planning. His appointment ensures continuity and reflects our commitment to developing talent from within.
Reflecting on his retirement, Pete said:
“It has been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be part of Gentoo’s evolution over the past seven years. Ending nearly two decades in social housing here at Gentoo has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve made real progress by putting our customers at the heart of everything we do, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together
I’m especially pleased to be handing the reins to Paul Wright, who has played a central part in many of our recent successes. His appointment shows the strength of our internal talent and succession planning, and I know Gentoo’s future is in very good hands.”
Our Chief Executive, Louise Bassett, said:
“Since becoming Chief Executive in 2023, Pete has been a constant source of support and stability. His knowledge of Gentoo and the wider sector has been invaluable during a period of significant change and opportunity.
Pete’s leadership, integrity and calm judgement have strengthened our financial resilience and governance. I’m truly grateful for his support and collaboration, and I wish him every happiness in his retirement.”
On Paul’s appointment, Louise added:
“Paul’s appointment reflects his strong leadership and our commitment to growing talent from within. He brings real financial expertise and a clear understanding of our strategy, and I’m delighted to see him step into the role.”
