• Appointments announced to strengthen the Executive and Leadership teams at Chime Housing, supporting merger delivery and integration.
• Amy Fox becomes Chief People and Governance Officer, and Carl Byrne becomes Integration Director.
• They will support the delivery of Chime’s long-term goals, and the integration of Thrive Homes and Watford Community Housing’s operations post-merger.

Chime Housing, the housing association recently formed from the merger of Thrive Homes and Watford Community Housing, has announced two key appointments to support the delivery of its long-term goals and the integration of the two original organisations’ services.

Amy Fox, currently Director of People and Governance, has joined Chime Housing’s Executive Team as Chief People and Governance Officer, after four years at Watford Community Housing and 25 years in the wider HR sector.

The creation of a new role at the executive level reflects the importance of people and governance to Chime Housing, both as the merging organisations are brought together over the next 12-18 months, and beyond. Amy will lead on creating a culture where teams are working closely together and new ways of working are developed to improve the services provided to residents.

Chime Housing has also appointed Carl Byrne as Integration Director, a newly created role that represents a crucial addition to the Leadership Team during this period of transition.

Carl will be responsible for driving the next chapter in Chime’s strategic growth and providing support as the two organisations’ operations are brought together to form one integrated housing provider.

Having worked in the housing sector for over 20 years, including roles at both Peabody and NHG, he brings a wealth of experience of change management.

Paul Richmond, Chief Executive of Chime Housing, said:

“These appointments are incredibly important as we continue to bring two successful organisations together as Chime Housing.

“Amy’s role will ensure that we build a collaborative culture where everyone feels empowered to deliver for our customers and communities. Carl will help to steer us through this period of change, ensuring that as we come together as a new Community Gateway housing association, we continue to provide good-quality homes and services, nurture our communities and deliver much-needed new homes.”

Chime Housing is the second largest Community Gateway housing association in England, with over 13,500 homes across Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas. It were formed in June 2026 through the merger of Thrive Homes and Watford Community Housing, two well-respected housing associations with shared values, ideas and geography.