Eamonn’s appointment has been confirmed by deputy prime minister Angela Rayner.

He has spent over 40 years in the public sector, having previously been deputy CEO of Manchester City Council and CEO of Stockport Council.

Eamonn has also previously held the role of deputy CEO at Homes England when it was known as the Homes and Communities Agency.

He has been appointed to the role to replace Peter Denton who announced he will be leaving in the new year.

His departure comes at the same time as chair Peter Freeman, who is also leaving the agency after four years. Peter Freeman will handover to his own successor when a new chair is recruited in 2025.

Commenting on their departures, Peter Denton said the government’s 1.5m housing target would exceed the leadership’s current tenure.

•   The Finance Professional Show 2023: The Video
•   Govt forms team to unlock 300,000 stalled homes
•   Are the foundations being laid to get Britain building?

“This will require a leadership team with a time horizon extending beyond the period I had originally set for myself,” he said. “It’s important, therefore, that 2025 sees a new chair and a new CEO taking on this incredible fresh mandate.”

“Our work together at the agency as “the Peters” has reflected a period of intense activity and achievement for the agency,” added Peter Denton.

“We successfully navigated the transition to being a fully-fledged and empowered housing and regeneration agency delivering strongly, especially in affordable housing, and initiating many catalytic regeneration projects throughout the country.”

Housing and planning minister Matthew Pennycook, MP, thanked them both and said: “Their efforts have been integral to reshaping Homes England into an effective national housing and regeneration agency that is increasingly focused on exemplary place-based regeneration and placemaking as well as new housing supply.”

The MP has also welcomed Eammon to the role, and said: “He has unrivalled experience and a long track record of successful strategic leadership, and I know he will drive the agency to maximise its contribution to boosting housing supply and delivering place-based regeneration and place-making.”