Executive Team

Saxon Weald's Executive Team is responsible for making decisions about the way the housing association operates. It also advises the Board on the company's strategic direction.

The team is made up of three members of staff who bring wide-ranging expertise and knowledge to their role. They are all committed to providing high quality, affordable housing and excellent customer service.

Steven Dennis

Chief Executive: Steven Dennis

Steven joined Saxon Weald as IT Manager in 2001. He became Business Improvement Director in 2008 looking to implement new ways of working to ensure that Saxon Weald delivers great customer service at the best possible price. In 2015 Steven became Property Director, responsible for our HomeFix repairs service, Asset Management and IT. In 2018, he was appointed Chief Executive and is an executive member of the board.

Michael Chinn, FCCA, CPFA (also Company Secretary)

Executive Director - Finance & Governance: Michael Chinn, FCCA, CPFA (also Company Secretary)

Michael joined Saxon Weald in March 2020. Before moving into the housing sector, he trained in Practice Accountancy. Michael was previously Deputy Finance Director of a medium sized housing association in West London and then Director of Finance and Resources at a Croydon association. Michael has served as a board member of other housing associations and is currently a board member of Eldon Housing in South London.

Kath Hicks, BSc (Hons)

Executive Director - Customer Operations: Kath Hicks, BSc (Hons)

A graduate of Hull University, with broad experience of housing management, Kath started her career with housing associations the Peabody Trust and the Sutton Trust in London. She joined Saxon Weald as Operations Manager in 2002. Since 2008 Kath has successfully led the Older People's Services team through a period of change, and is responsible for our new extra care schemes. She was promoted to Older People's Services Director in 2011. In 2013, Kath became Housing Director, taking responsibility for Housing and Neighbourhood Services in addition to Older People's Services. Kath is presently responsible for the operational delivery of Customer repairs & maintenance and housing services.

Becky Utuka, MSc, PGDip, Bsc (Hons)

Executive Director – Asset & Development: Becky Utuka, MSc, PGDip, Bsc (Hons)

Becky joined Saxon Weald in January 2024. She is passionate about housing as a fundamental need for shelter and safety; for creating opportunities for local people, improving lives and addressing inequality. With a background in development, sales, and asset management, Becky brings expertise in real estate design, investment, development and surveying. Over the years, she has worked for various housing providers including Gateway Housing, Family Mosaic (now part of Peabody), Swan Housing (now part of Sanctuary Group), and Network Homes (now part of Sovereign Network Group). Becky was an alumni Board Member for Future of London (2021- 2024) and currently serves as a Non-Executive Director for Citizen Housing's Development Committee.

Debbie Chun, BA (Hons)

Chief Information Officer: Debbie Chun, BA (Hons)

Debbie joined Saxon Weald in November 2023. She has over 20 years of experience working in Social Housing and is passionate about delivering excellent customer service. Debbie’s expertise comes from various operational roles with her more recent experience leading IT and Transformation Programmes. Debbie’s previous roles include key positions at Stonewater as Director of Technology and Wandle as Programme Manager. She brings a wealth of experience to drive positive change and innovation at Saxon Weald.