Date published: 04 April 2025
Nicholas Harris, the long-standing Chief Executive of leading affordable housing provider, Stonewater, has announced he is to step down after almost a decade in the role.
His decision has been carefully considered and is led by his wish to spend more time with his family, travelling and pursuing other interests. He is not fully retiring but neither does he intend to pursue another housing association CEO position.
Nicholas will remain in post until the Autumn in order to ensure a smooth handover to his successor. An open recruitment process for Stonewater’s new CEO has now begun.
Stonewater is marking its 10th anniversary this year and Nicholas has been with the organisation from the beginning, having been integral in its creation. Formerly, he was CEO of Raglan HA, since 2010, which merged with Jephson to form Stonewater in January 2015.
Stonewater is now one of the UK’s largest social housing providers with 40,000 homes, proudly serving more than 93,000 customers from diverse backgrounds across the country.
Nicholas Harris, Chief Executive at Stonewater, said: “It’s been my privilege to work with the housing sector, alongside the people and communities we’re here to serve. The years have flown by – from my first job doing the rounds in estate services to appearing before government Select Committees, it’s certainly been an interesting journey.
“I’ve seen a lot of change, mostly good, but there’s still a long way to go to end the housing crisis and achieve Stonewater’s vision of ‘everyone having a place to call home’. I hope I’ve played my part and feel it’s the right time to hand on the baton. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and indulging in my love of travel.”
Nicholas added: “I’m immensely grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, the people I’ve had the privilege to work with, the customers who’ve inspired me and the support I’ve had from our Board, sector peers and colleagues alike. I’m confident I’ll be leaving Stonewater in great hands.”
Sheila Collins, Chair at Stonewater, said: “Nick has dedicated his entire career to social housing and will be very much missed, both by Stonewater and the wider sector community. The Board understand his decision which, as ever, has been made with careful thought to the business and his colleagues.
“Stonewater is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and Nick has been an integral part of our journey from day one, having been instrumental in the merger which formed the organisation. His astute insight, dedicated leadership and genuine drive to make a difference has helped create thousands of homes for those who desperately need them, as well as a thriving organisation of which people are proud to be part.
“I know I speak for the whole Board when I say he’s been an absolute pleasure to work with – he will go with our deepest respect and sincere gratitude. We wish him every happiness and bon voyage.”