Tristar Homes, based in Stockton, has appointed STEVE BOYD as managing director.

The 46-year-old, from Newcastle, has more than 20 years' experience in the housing industry and will lead a team of 280 employees.

He previously spent 12 years as chief executive at Nomad Homes, in Newcastle, after achieving an MBA in 1990.

At 28, he was one of the youngest people to reach the position of chief officer in local government.

Chairman of Tristar Homes John McDougall said: "We were looking for an inspirational leader with a proven track record and Steve proved to be just that.

"We advertised nationally for the position and received a huge number of exceptionally high-calibre candidates."

Tristar Homes is a not-for-profit company of Stockton Borough Council and has been set up to take over the day-to-day management and maintenance of most of the council's housing stock.