Having joined the fledgling housing association in August 1987 as an admin assistant, Bill has had various jobs over the years. He spent most of his time in charge of Development & Property Services before becoming depute chief executive in 2008 and Kingdom group chief executive in 2013.

Bill said: “Kingdom has changed enormously since I joined 35 years ago. When I started Kingdom had 16 properties and now owns and manages around 6,500 homes, has 2 subsidiaries, and over 500 staff.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time with Kingdom and I’m particularly proud of the sustainability initiatives we have developed, the homelessness programmes we pioneered and the trainee programme we have implemented. It’s the variety of projects and the wide-ranging positive impacts on our communities that have made the last 35 years so rewarding.

“Kingdom’s achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the support of a dedicated management team and board and, of course, great colleagues across the group. I know Kingdom will continue to go from strength to strength and I’m looking forward to starting the next, less busy, chapter in my life, whatever that may bring!”

Kingdom Housing Association’s chair Linda Leslie added: ”On behalf of the Kingdom board and the other subsidiary governing bodies, I’d like to thank Bill for many years of hard work and dedication and for leading Kingdom to being the organisation it is today. I wish him all the very best for a long, healthy and happy early retirement.”

The task of recruiting Kingdom’s new group chief executive is now underway with the support of executive search specialists Aspen People.