Bernicia appoints new Executive Director of Assets and Growth

As we get ready to launch our next corporate strategy 2026-31, Bernicia has announced the appointment of David Pye as Executive Director of Assets and Growth.

‘Supporting Opportunity’ in the North East is the key aim of Bernicia’s next corporate strategy 2026-31.

With a commitment to invest over £400m into homes, services, people and partnerships, it aims to generate what we’re calling ‘The Bernicia Effect’ – achieved through a series of cogent activities designed to help unlock the potential of individuals, communities and the North East.

Bernicia Chief Executive John Johnston said: “The Board and I are delighted to welcome David into the Executive Team.

“As Director of Assets at Bernicia, David played a pivotal role in developing a detailed understanding of the condition of our existing homes, and in developing and delivering programmes so they continued to meet agreed quality standards.

“This included a range of proactive investments in building and fire safety and in energy efficiency, to ensure residents continued to live in quality, safe and affordable homes.

“It’s great when we are able to appoint from within and David’s dedication and knowledge on all property matters will be a great asset as he  moves up to the Executive Team and assumes responsibility for our investment in both new and existing homes.”

David will succeed Michael Farr who is retiring from this role in August and John paid tribute to Michael.

“When I became Chief Executive, Michael Farr was an early and vitally important appointment. I want to thank Michael for the significant contribution he has made to Bernicia; it has been a pleasure to work with him over the years.

“I want to recognise the real value he brought to Bernicia, at what was an important time for the company. He undoubtedly played a full and successful role in the evolution of Bernicia into the forward thinking and dynamic organisation it has become. Because of people like Michael, we have been able to do more to support the communities of the North East.”

We will launch our new corporate strategy in March and we’re looking forward with determination and drive to create opportunities that improve people’s quality of life and life chances.

David said: “I am delighted to be joining Bernicia’s Executive Team at such an exciting time of potential and possibility. We are aiming to build more homes than ever before and to retain our focus on the quality of existing homes.

“At Bernicia we feel a good home makes everything else possible and that’s why we deliver great homes and services that do just that.”