Change in leadership at Salix Homes

Salix Homes has appointed a new Chair of our Board as our CEO announces her retirement after a 25-year career in housing.

Salix Homes, which was recently awarded a top C1 (Consumer) grading from the Regulator of Social Housing, has appointed Martin Warhurst as our new Chair of the Board. Martin takes over the post from outgoing Chair Jim Battle, who reached the end of his term this month (September).

Martin has been a Board member at Salix Homes since 2023 when he was appointed as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. He is a Chartered Accountant and has more than two decades experience in the social housing sector. He is currently Chief Financial Officer at Habinteg Housing Association.

He said: “I’m honoured to be appointed as Chair of the Board at such a pivotal moment for Salix Homes, particularly as we prepare for the upcoming change in CEO, and I look forward to building on the outstanding achievements made under my predecessor Jim Battle’s leadership.

“Since first joining the Board last year, I’ve seen first-hand that Salix Homes is an ambitious, well-run, and forward-thinking organisation, and I’m eager to continue that momentum as we navigate the next chapter.

“Achieving a top C1 Consumer grading from the Regulator of Social Housing is a testament to the dedication of our talented and motivated team, who live our values every day, and I’m excited to work alongside them to continue making a real difference in people’s lives and delivering the high-quality homes and services our communities deserve.”

Recruitment for the CEO position will start in October.

Sue Sutton first joined Salix Homes back in 2008, initially on a three-month contract. She’s worked in various roles across the organisation before taking on the role of CEO in 2021 – right in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sue said: “After an incredible 25 years in the housing sector, and having had the privilege of leading Salix Homes for the past few years, I’ve decided the time is right for me to retire. It’s been an honour to work with such a dedicated team that consistently goes above and beyond to deliver for our customers and communities.

“From navigating the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic to the achievements we’ve celebrated together – like receiving a top C1 Consumer grading from the Regulator of Social Housing – it’s been a rollercoaster, but I couldn’t be prouder of all that we’ve accomplished.

“I also want to pay tribute to Jim Battle, whose leadership as Chair has been vital in shaping the Salix Homes we know today. His passion and commitment have left a lasting impact on our organisation and the communities we serve. As I prepare for my own retirement next year, I’m confident that with Martin Warhurst as the new Chair of the Board, Salix Homes is in safe hands and will continue to succeed.”

Jim officially stepped down at the Board Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 24. He said: “It’s been an honour to serve as Chair and be part of an organisation that truly puts customers at the heart of everything we do.

“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, particularly in leading the way on building safety and customer engagement. I’m incredibly pleased to be ending my term on a high, being amongst the first housing associations in the country to be awarded the C1 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing.

“As I step down, I’m confident that with Martin Warhurst as Chair, Salix Homes will continue to thrive. I wish Martin, Sue, and the team all the best as they move forward and continue to build on our successes.”

At the AGM, new Board member Jason Ridley was also appointed as the new Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. Jason is a Chartered Accountant with extensive housing sector experience – he’s the current Director of Finance and IT at Leeds Federated Housing Association.