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From the Northern Echo, written by Peter Baron
New chief executive vows to build on strong foundations to take North Star to next level
THE new chief executive of an award-winning North East housing provider says his aim is to build on the strong foundations laid by his predecessor.
James Walder, 47, has been named as the fourth CEO in the 50-year history of North Star Housing, taking over from Angela Lockwood, who has stepped down after 15 years in the role.
James joined North Star in February 2019 as Executive Director of Finance and Business Support after building up a wealth of experience.
He said: “I am immensely proud and excited to be taking over as CEO of North Star, knowing I’m inheriting a strong position – culturally, financially, and with a fantastic team.
“What first attracted me to North Star was its culture as a relationship-based organisation, with a togetherness and unwavering commitment to make a difference, and the aim is to build on that success and evolve the culture.
“We have to exceed customers’ expectations, keep them at the heart of everything we do, and move to the next level by maximising systems and data.”
James was born and raised in Newcastle, and he is the brother of Dave Walder, who played professional rugby for Newcastle Falcons and Wasps and was capped for England.
After studying medieval history at St Andrew’s University, James qualified as an accountant, working for Haines Watts and PWC, before moving into social housing with Home Group as Rent Accounts Manager and becoming Head of Housing Finance.
He then had a period in construction with Kier Group, including managing North Tyneside’s social housing stock, before being attracted by North Star’s reputation.
James is also a trustee of the Humankind charity, which supports complex health and social needs. In his spare time, the father-of-two is a coach at Benwell Hill Cricket Club and Gosforth Rugby Club.
Angela joined the organisation as Housing Manager in 1996, when it was Endeavour Housing Association, and succeeded Charlie Hughes as CEO in 2009.
She said: “It’s been a huge privilege to lead a team that works tirelessly to make things happen when often it may not seem possible, and to support people who need it most.
“In James, I’ll be handing over to someone already embedded in the culture, with the experience and skills to build on our successes by harnessing technology in the age of artificial intelligence and a data-driven world.”
Angela said her biggest source of pride was North Star becoming the first housing association to be awarded Investors in People platinum status. It retained the coveted status when it was reassessed last year, with 100 per cent of employees trusting the organsation’s leadership and rating it a great place to work.
“It’s an indicator of the culture in which we operate, and how that flows into the communities we serve,” she said.