THE BOSS of a homelessness charity is to retire after 20 years in the role.

Andy Winter, chief executive of Brighton Housing Trust (BHT), will step down next year.

He joined BHT in 1985 and became chief executive in 2003.

He said the 37 years he has spent with the charity have 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,” he said.

“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."

Andy said there was “never an easy time to leave”, especially having spent the majority of his adult life working for the charity.

He said: “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.”

He plans to spend his retirement writing a book, watching more cricket, rugby and football and walking his dog Molly.

Kelvin MacDonald, chairman of BHT Sussex Board, said Andy had provided “exceptional leadership” during his time as chief executive.

He said: “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.

“Andy displays an enviable combination of dynamism, professionalism and knowledge, strategic and innovative thinking and empathy. He will be an extremely hard act to follow and all those who have benefited from BHT Sussex’s services, support, advice and housing owe him a real debt of gratitude.”

The charity said a process to recruit Andy’s successor will begin in the next few months.