Meet our new chairman

We've appointed one of the top leaders in social housing as our new chairman. John Barker - until recently chief executive with one of England's leading affordable housing providers - took over from Charles Kaye OBE in September, bringing strong contacts with government, public agencies and local councils.

John says: "I've been really impressed with everything I've seen, and I know that Sentinel customers are getting a great deal. Even at board level, Sentinel makes all decisions about the communities we serve locally, and not in some distant head office."

Sentinel Chief Executive Martin Nurse added: "It was always going to be tough finding someone to fill Charles Kaye's shoes, so we're delighted to have John on board. We're performing very well despite the tough economic conditions, and John's experience as we all work our way through the recession is a real asset."

John says he hopes to continue Sentinel's transformation into the region's best housing associations.