Livv’s Marsh promoted to CEO

Sharon Marsh, who has been with the housing association in various roles since 2012, will replace Léann Hearne in the top job.

Marsh joined Merseyside-based Livv Housing Group as group HR director when the organisation was still known as First Ark.

It rebranded as Livv in 2020, by which point Marsh was executive director of resources.

Prior to being promoted to chief executive, she was executive director of customer insight.

Marsh was selected for demonstrating “strategic clarity, regulatory expertise, and proven leadership”, according to Livv.

Philip Raw, chair of Livv Housing Group, said: “Sharon’s leadership was instrumental in our most recent regulatory upgrade. Her grasp of both the operational and strategic challenges facing housing providers is exceptional.

“This appointment reflects our continued commitment to regulatory excellence, customer-focused service, and long-term resilience in a rapidly evolving housing landscape.”

The outgoing Hearne, who presided over the rebrand and overturned a regulatory downgrade, announced she would be stepping down to spend more time with family earlier this year.

She will work alongside Marsh in the first instance to ensure a smooth transition.

“I’m honoured to step into the CEO role at such a pivotal time,” Marsh said.

“The housing sector is under increasing scrutiny, and at Livv, we’re committed to meeting those expectations with transparency, accountability, and a relentless focus on our core mission: providing safe, secure, and quality homes.

“Under Léann’s leadership, we’ve made significant strides, and I’m excited to build on that strong foundation to continue delivering excellent services to our customers and meeting the evolving expectations of our regulators.”