Nationwide's charitable foundation has appointed Kate Markey as CEO.
Markey, a former editor of the Big Issue North, brings experience in social enterprise, social investment and impact consulting to the organisation and was once named one of London’s most influential philanthropic leaders by the Evening Standard.
She will be tasked with driving the foundation's main cause of improving the lives of those most in need through its grant making, convening and influencing work.
It also has an ambition to make the housing system work for all.
Nationwide's charitable foundation is independent from the building society, although it is funded by it.
Saphié Ashtiany, chair of the foundation, said: "Kate will be able to lead the development of our strategy, taking a long-term approach to influencing the conditions for systemic change in the housing sector both directly and with our partners including, in particular, the mutually important and valued relationship with Nationwide Building Society."
Markey added: "The UK's housing crisis is having a devastating impact on families and communities.
"I feel privileged to be joining a team and board of trustees so committed to tackling the crisis now and for the long-term, working strategically and collaboratively across the housing sector."
Housing continues to be a key issue amid the current cost of living crisis, due to rising rates and because there still isn't enough housing stock to meet demand.
The foundation stated it will need significant investment and focus in the coming decade to meet the demand for affordable, secure homes.
The government has pledged to invest an additional £32mn across housing and planning to “unlock” thousands of homes across the country.
The aim is to build homes in places where people want to live and work, in order to support economic growth across the UK and make home ownership a reality for more people.
There will be additional funding to tackle planning backlogs in Local Planning Authorities alongside further reforms to “streamline” the system through a new Permitted Development Right to enable one house to be converted into two homes.
The funding will also hope to accelerate the delivery of new, “high quality” housing in Cambridge, Leeds and London.
carmen.reichman@ft.com
