PlaceShapers is delighted to announce Catherine Ryder will become its new CEO early in 2023.
Catherine is currently Director of Policy and Research at the National Housing Federation.
Matthew Walker, chair of PlaceShapers said: “Catherine’s passionate commitment to PlaceShapers’ values and putting place-shaping truly at the heart of decision-making shone through. She has outstanding skills, knowledge and experience to help drive forward our work helping communities to thrive.”
“This has never been more important - our communities are facing huge challenges with many tenants struggling in the cost-of-living crisis. Members are doing all they can to help tenants in financial hardship, from offering crisis grants to providing debt and benefits advice whilst navigating financial challenges themselves.”
Catherine said: “I have seen the positive difference community-based housing providers make and their role has never been more important. I am delighted that I will have the opportunity to work with, and advocate for, organisations with such a clear social purpose and ambition for their residents and communities. I am looking forward to building on the work already underway at PlaceShapers and continuing to highlight the contribution of your members across the country.”
Catherine succeeds Rachael Orr who will become the CEO of Climate Outreach at the end of January 2023 after joining PlaceShapers in 2018. Catherine will join PlaceShapers at the beginning of March 2023.
About Catherine Ryder
Catherine is currently director of policy and research, overseeing the National Housing Federation's work across a number of strategic areas – lobbying for change to allow housing associations to deliver their priorities for their residents and communities.
She was previously head of policy at the NHF, with a particular focus homelessness and supported housing. Catherine has also worked as Advisor to the Chief Executive at the NHF and recently spent some time working on economic development and housing at Coast to Capital – a Local Enterprise Partnership in Surrey and Sussex. Before joining the NHF Catherine worked at the Audit Commission as a Strategy Manager, leading the development of assessment frameworks for local government.
