Joe Marshall, Regional managing director for development in the South East, smiling at the camera

Sovereign appoints new regional managing director to oversee South East growth

• 2 min read

Sovereign Housing Association has appointed Joe Marshall as regional managing director for development in the South East.

Joe will join the business on 4 September 2023 and continue to drive Sovereign’s ambitious growth plans in the South East – focusing on Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire.

With many years’ experience in the development of new homes in London and the South East, he brings with him a wealth of experience across a variety of roles within development.

Joe most recently led Peabody’s expansion outside of London into the home counties, particularly focusing his efforts across the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. He has also overseen the acquisition and delivery of many high-profile joint-ventures, regeneration and land-led development schemes in London and the South East.

Sovereign’s Chief Investment and Development Officer Tom Titherington said: “I’m delighted that Joe is joining us and excited to see him using his wealth of experience to deliver our bold plans for new affordable and sustainable homes. The sector faces challenging economic headwinds, including the cost of materials and inflation, but we are still actively seeking opportunities to create new homes so Joe’s appointment, which will help us to grow across our core regions, is timely.

“His recent work at Peabody stands out for his ability to secure long-term wins and land for development. This fits perfectly with the objectives in our corporate plan, and we look forward to welcoming Joe in September.”

Joe Marshall said: "I’m looking forward to joining Sovereign and being part of continuing their growth in the South East. Sovereign's commitment to delivering new homes in line with their Homes and Place Standard, coupled with their financial strength, means they are in an excellent position to continue to build more affordable, sustainable, and great quality homes. It’s also an exciting time to join ahead of the proposed merger with Network Homes."

Sovereign was recently placed among the top five housing associations for new home delivery in Inside Housing’s Biggest Builders Survey, and was the second most active developer of affordable homes.