We have appointed Joel Owen as our new Service Director for Development as we scale up our ambitious new build development programme to deliver 1,500 new homes over the next three years.
With over 20 years of experience in the housing sector, Joel has held several senior positions at local and regional housing associations and joins us from First Choice Homes Oldham, where he was Development Director for the last four years.
In his new role, Joel will lead the delivery of our development growth, including the our biggest project to date, delivering over 200 affordable high-rise apartments at Saxton Lane in Leeds city centre.
Last year, we built and acquired over 400 homes and Joel is excited to build on the solid foundations already in place as we seeks to increase the number of new affordable homes over the next three years. He said: “I’m excited to use my skills, knowledge and experience to help WDH create vibrant communities and homes our customers can be proud of.”
Passionate about making a difference, Joel is on the FutureProof Board at the homeless charity, St George’s Crypt, using his skills and experience to support the charity to tackle homelessness, supporting them in their aim to become a registered housing provider. For the past five years he has also been a board member at Connect Housing who operate across West Yorkshire.
Sue Young, Executive Director of Investment, said, “Joel brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the housing sector and a successful track record of affordable housing delivery, and we’re really pleased to welcome him to WDH. We’re looking forward to working together to continue to grow our new build programme and develop exciting projects, creating more places for people to feel at home.”