Sovereign and Network Homes completed their planned merger on Sunday 1 October 2023 to form Sovereign Network Group (SNG).
The proposed merger was announced on Monday 13 March 2023 and the final business case was approved by Sovereign and Network Homes’ respective boards on Thursday 7 September 2023.
The combined organisation has over 82,000 homes and over 210,000 customers across London, Hertfordshire, and the south of England.
Mark Washer has been named as chief executive officer of SNG after previously holding the position for Sovereign and Helen Evans the deputy chief executive, previously the chief executive of Network Homes. Paul Massara has taken the role of chair and Jon Gooding the deputy chair.
Mark Washer said: “This is an important moment for SNG, but we are now absolutely focused on delivering the benefits for our customers and future customers. Our combined strength gives us the opportunity to remain ambitious in our plans to create more homes – and more sustainable homes – that people can love living in over many generations. This commitment to our environment and enabling wider social success within our communities is built into SNG from the very start.”
An executive board will lead the business, which will report into CEO Mark Washer. In addition to Helen Evans, Jamie Ratcliff will take the role of chief communities and sustainability officer, Kevin Ives as chief information officer, Nicole Sharp as chief customer officer, Peter Benz as chief financial officer, Sally Hyndman in the role of chief people and transformation officer and Tom Titherington as chief investment and development officer.
To enable SNG to deliver a smooth service to residents and continue to build affordable homes through existing projects, David Gooch will report to Helen Evans as executive director for development (London and Hertfordshire). Gerry Doherty will also report to Helen Evans as the executive director of operations (London and Hertfordshire).
