Homeless charity chief exec retiring after 37 years

Housing and homelessness charity BHT Sussex has announced that Andy Winter, its long-standing chief executive, is to retire in January 2023.

Andy joined what was then known as Brighton Housing Trust in 1985 and has been the charity’s chief executive since 2003.

During his time as chief executive, BHT Sussex has expanded its services into Eastbourne and Hastings, Mid Sussex, Crawley and, most recently, across the whole of East Sussex, with the winning of a new contract to provide support for 6,000 people in their homes.

Chair of the BHT Sussex Board Kelvin MacDonald said: “Andy has provided exceptional leadership to BHT Sussex over the time that he has been our chief executive.

“When Andy joined BHT Sussex in 1985, there were fewer than ten members of staff. When he became chief executive in 2003 there were 115. Today we have 370 employees delivering quality services and changing lives across Sussex.

“He will be an extremely hard act to follow and all those who have benefited from BHT Sussex services, support, advice and housing, owe him a real debt of gratitude.”

Andy said: “Playing a small part in the work of BHT Sussex over the last 37 years has been a joy and a privilege. I have been so fortunate to have had such able and inspiring colleagues at all levels of the organisation.

“The future of the organisation is bright. BHT Sussex has an incredibly strong management team, guided and supported by an exceptional group of trustees.

“My successor will be lucky to be joining the organisation at an exciting time as we develop new homes and expand our services.

“There is never an easy time to leave, especially for me having spent most of my adult life within BHT Sussex. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved and what we continue to do. I cannot estimate exactly how many clients’ and tenants’ lives we have changed for the better, but it will be in the tens of thousands. Once I retire I intend to write a book, watch more cricket, rugby and football, and walk our dog Molly a lot more.”

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