Nationwide Building Society backed funder Nationwide Foundation has appointed Kate Markey as its next chief executive.

She joins in early 2024 from the London Community Foundation, where she has held the same role for the last five years.

The Nationwide Foundation is funded by the Nationwide Building Society and focuses on improving accessibility to affordable housing.

“The UK’s housing crisis is having a devastating impact on families and communities,” said Marke, who spent eight years from 2014 as a member of VoiceAbility’s board.

“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.”

Markey’s background is in journalism, including editor of The Big Issue in the North and a reporter for Thomson Reuters in Venezuela.

She is also a former director of communications and deputy chief executive at CAN.

Her other roles have included being a member of Big Society Capital’s advisory council and a board member of the Employment Related Services Association.

Nationwide Foundation chair Saphié Ashtiany added: “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.”

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