The role forms part of Chief Executive Matt Forrest’s new look leadership team alongside Chief Resources Officer, Chief Information and Technology Officer and Chief Customer Officer posts.
Sharon takes up her new role today (21 July), vacating her post as Thirteen’s Development and Partnerships Director.
She will develop a 30-year vision for Thirteen’s property operations, overseeing new homes development, regeneration, asset management, and property and commercial investment across its portfolio.
Sharon, who joined Thirteen in 2017, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to secure this new role at Thirteen, a brilliant organisation where I am surrounded by talented and committed colleagues every day. There couldn’t be a more exciting time to work in social housing – the government’s commitment to fund housing growth at scale presents us with a generational opportunity to deliver huge renewal and investment over the next decade. I am really looking forward to leading Thirteen’s strategy as we seek to take full advantage and make sure our customers feel the benefits.”
In her new role, Sharon will lead Thirteen’s investment, development and partnerships, and asset optimisation teams, which have recently been brought together into one directorate.
Thirteen’s Chief Executive, Matt Forrest, said: “Sharon demonstrated great energy throughout a competitive recruitment process, as well as a deep understanding of the importance of leadership and culture in delivering our business strategy. She brings a wealth of experience and strong relationships with our local authority and delivery partners. The teams she is leading can give us a real end-to-end view of our assets and she has shown us that she understands the opportunities this brings. We’re looking forward to having Sharon’s big thinking and energy in our new look leadership team.”
Thirteen owns and manages over 36,000 homes in the North East, Humber and Yorkshire regions, with over 1,600 staff providing services for around 100,000 customers.
It recently achieved the highest possible C1/G1/V1 ratings following an inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing.
In 2024/25, Thirteen delivered a record 650 new homes and recorded an improved customer satisfaction score of 90.0%
