Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation (NHF), David Orr, has announced his intention to retire in September
In a letter to the board, Orr said: “This has not been an easy decision to make. I feel enormously privileged to have had the opportunity to make the case for the brilliant work that our members do in every part of the country.
“The more time I have spent with you, the more I am convinced that the future success of housing associations is critical to the future success of this country.
“I am proud that I have played my part in securing this future over the course of my career, and especially during my time leading the Federation.
“After more than 12 years in this role, and more than 35 years working with and for housing associations, I now feel the time is right for a change.
“I believe the Federation is more relevant and focused than ever before, and, working with you, we have helped to put housing associations at the heart of our nation’s future. There is now a fantastic opportunity for a new leader to make the Federation even more effective.
“It has been a real honour to have worked with you all for the last 12 years. For now, for me, nothing has changed.
“For the next eight months, it goes without saying that I will continue to promote your success in every way I can as leader of the Federation.
“I will also work closely with you, and with my colleagues, to support the transition to a new chief executive. We will be in touch very soon with more detail on this process.”
Commenting on Orr’s retirement, Chair of the NHF board, Baroness Diana Warwick said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with David. On behalf of the Board I want to thank him for his extraordinary contribution to the Housing Association movement.
“Over the past 12 years David has championed the independence and ambitions of housing associations, and their critical role in tackling the housing crisis.
“David will continue to provide strong leadership for the Federation over the coming months, as we conduct an extensive and thorough recruitment process for his successor.”
