Sanctuary Group has announced David Bennett’s decision to retire as group chief executive at the end of the year.

Bennett will step down from the role at the end of the year, having led the organisation for more than 25 years and joining in 1986.

Sanctuary’s chief financial officer Craig Moule has been appointed as group chief executive with effect from 1 January 2019.

Jonathan Lander, group chair, said: “Thanks to David’s astute and visionary leadership Sanctuary is one of the UK’s principal housing and care providers, having grown from one with a turnover of £22 million and employing 628 people in 1991, to one which now has a turnover of £728m and employs more than 13,000.

“Throughout his time at Sanctuary, David has worked tirelessly to make a difference to the lives of our customers and employees, and this was recognised with his award of a CBE in 2015 for services to social housing.

“David leaves an excellent legacy for Craig to build on. On behalf of the Board I would like to sincerely thank David for his dedicated service and commitment to Sanctuary.

“I am delighted that Craig has agreed to become our new group chief executive. Craig has worked at Sanctuary since 1989 and has contributed greatly to the organisation’s accomplishments since that time.”

David Bennett said: “It’s been a privilege to have been part of an organisation that has achieved so much for people in need of support. I’ve been fortunate to work with an exceptionally talented and dedicated group of people committed to Sanctuary’s vision and values.

“I am sure that through Craig’s leadership, Sanctuary will continue to be a dynamic organisation delivering ambitious goals.”

Craig Moule joined Sanctuary in 1989 and has been finance director since 2000, CFO from 2013, and was first co-opted onto Sanctuary’s Board in 2003.

On his new appointment, Craig Moule said: “I am proud to be Sanctuary’s next group chief executive, and look forward to working with the Board and senior team to ensure the continued success of the organisation.

“I would also like to thank David as without him Sanctuary would not be in the strong position it is now, with the financial stability to deliver our charitable objectives of providing housing and care to those who need it most.”