We have appointed our current Executive Director of Technical Services and Deputy Chief Executive, Martyn Shaw, to the role of Chief Executive. Martyn has spent a decade in the sector and will take up the position from 1 January 2025 when our current Chief Executive, Andy Wallhead, steps down after five years in the top role.
Martyn joined WDH in 2014 to lead the Technical Services teams and took up the role of Deputy in 2023. He is passionate about reducing stigma across the housing sector, providing opportunities for people to develop and build great careers in housing and building vibrant communities where everyone feels they belong. Martyn has held a variety of non-executive positions on boards which share his values including local colleges and housing organisations.
Martyn said: “I’m thrilled to take up this role and to be able to continue to make a difference to the organisation, to our customers and to the communities they live in. We have developed our new strategy with customers, employees and partners and I'm honoured to be able to lead the organisation to achieve the ambitious goals we have set.
"I am proud of all that WDH has achieved over the past almost 20 years, we have some great foundations to build on. This is important as we have big aspirations for the future creating places to be proud of, experiences to be proud of and making an impact to be proud of. These are exciting times and I feel privileged to be leading such a great organisation.”
Andrew McConnell, Board Chair at WDH, said: “Martyn brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise to this role and we are delighted to have him leading us. He shares WDH’s values, ambition and drive for success and I feel we are in great hands.”