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Large Yorkshire landlord appoints former Catalyst COO as chief executive
Large Yorkshire-based housing association Incommunities has appointed Catalyst’s former chief operating officer as its new chief executive.
In a message to the stock exchange today, the 22,000-home landlord, which has most of its stock in West Yorkshire, announced that Rachael Dennis would be taking over as chief executive in February, replacing current boss Geraldine Howley, who is retiring.
Ms Dennis joins Incommunities from Taylor Wimpey, where she has been managing director of the house builder’s South East region division since early 2019.
Before that she spent five years at London association Catalyst, where she joined as executive director of finance before becoming chief operating officer.
She has more than 20 years’ experience in the social housing sector and has worked in management roles at RHP and North Devon Homes.
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Ms Howley has been chief executive of Incommunities since it was founded 17 years ago.
In 2008, Ms Howley led the rebranding of Bradford Community Housing Trust to Incommunities Group and has since overseen the growth of the organisation through mergers, stock acquisitions and new build developments.
She has worked in housing for more than 40 years and served as chair of the Chartered Institute of Housing’s governing board and chair of the Northern Housing Consortium, and was on the National Housing Federation’s board. In 2017, Ms Howley was awarded an OBE for her services to housing, young people and the local community.
Jan Ormondroyd, chair of Incommunities, said: “We are delighted to be making this appointment at an exciting time for the group.
“Rachael has extensive leadership experience as well as a strong knowledge of the sector and is keen to deliver our ambitious strategy for growth and achieve our potential.
“Both the board and I are looking forward to working with Rachael and taking the business forward in line with our strategic aims.”
Ms Dennis said: “I am extremely proud to be joining Incommunities as its new chief executive and build on Geraldine’s many achievements.
“I am passionate about social housing and making a difference to people’s lives and I look forward to working with the board, all the staff, our customers and our partners. I’m really looking forward to getting started.”
