Surprise as TDS boss Harriott withdraws his resignation

In a surprise move, Steve Harriott has withdrawn his resignation from the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, apparently little more than days before he was due to start a new job.

Last week, Harriott was away on holiday, and had been due to start on September 17 as chief executive of a housing association.

CDS Co-operatives had appointed Steve Harriott as its new chief executive to succeed David Rodgers, who retired at the end of July.

But now Harriott is to remain as chief executive of the TDS.

The man who was due to step into his shoes as acting chief executive, and who was by all accounts a certainty to take the post permanently, Nick Hankey, is to become deputy chief executive.

It is not clear exactly why Harriott – whose background is in housing associations –  chose not to move on to his new job, but he has been rated highly in his role at TDS, credited with having turned it around. When his departure was announced, the official statement was festooned with plaudits.

The housing association where Harriott had been expected to start work next week, said: “The board of CDS Co-operatives regret to announce that Mr Steve Harriott, who had been appointed to join the society shortly as chief executive, will not now be taking up the post for personal reasons.

“The board will now be putting other actions and arrangements for the management of the society in place and offers Mr Harriott best wishes for the future.”

TDS chairman Martin Partington said: “The last two years have seen an astonishing change in fortunes for TDS and its customers and we are therefore delighted that Steve is to continue in his role as chief executive.

“There are great opportunities and challenges ahead and Steve has already proved he can rise to such challenges. We look forward to a bright future under his leadership.”