Chief Executive - James Walder
James Walder has been a key driver behind North Star Housing Group’s success since joining in 2019. As the fourth CEO in the company’s 50-year history, James has brought both fresh perspectives and extensive experience to the role. His leadership is rooted in a deep commitment to North Star’s mission of providing quality homes and services that positively impact communities across Tees Valley.
Born and raised in Newcastle, James studied medieval history at St Andrew’s University before qualifying as an accountant. He worked for Haines Watts and PWC before transitioning to social housing in 2006 with Home Group, where he started as Rent Accounts Manager and later became Head of Housing Finance. After a period in construction with Kier Group, where he managed North Tyneside’s social housing stock, James was drawn to North Star’s strong reputation in the sector.
When James joined North Star as Executive Director of Finance and Business Support, the organisation was made up of four individual housing associations. One of his first major achievements was collaborating with the Board to simplify the structure and streamline the funding arrangements, laying the groundwork for North Star’s future growth. Despite the challenges involved, the result was a unified Housing Association and a robust funding model that enables North Star to continue developing new homes for the communities it serves. James also managed key departments including governance, risk management, procurement, insurance, GDPR, and served as the Company Secretary. His leadership was and remains integral to ensuring North Star remains a well-managed, forward-thinking organisation.
James is also a passionate advocate for staff development and is particularly proud of North Star’s Investors in People Platinum accreditation and UK Employer of the Year awards won in both 2021 and 2024.
In addition to his professional achievements, James serves as a Board Member of Business in the Community North East and is a trustee of the Waythrough charity, which specialises in mental health and addiction services. Outside of work, James is a father of two and coaches at Benwell Hill Cricket Club and Gosforth Rugby Club.
With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and staff development, James continues to lead North Star toward a brighter future, ensuring the organisation not only meets the housing needs of today but also builds a foundation for tomorrow.
Executive Director of Assets and Growth - Emma Speight
Emma confesses that she loves all things property and is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives. Perfect qualifications for her role as North Star’s Executive Director of Assets and Growth.
A chartered surveyor by profession, she was previously with a regional development agency in the north, until it closed ten years ago. She has used her extensive experience in property, and transferable skills in economic development and commercial asset management to make the transition to North Star.
Emma is responsible for developing new homes, exploring opportunities for growth, and maintaining and investing in over 4,000 home to keep them well maintained. She also leads on Health & Safety.
Emma and her team work closely with their tenants to ensure there is as little disruption as possible. “We’re very aware that it is their home, so there is a lot of engagement and consultation.”
It is also part of Emma’s remit to make properties more sustainable, and energy-efficient. The aim is to reduce carbon emissions from homes and ensure that energy and warmth is affordable.
North Star has vast experience of building supported housing units, including drug and alcohol, women’s refuges, learning disability, young person and older person schemes. Emma is incredibly passionate about working with partners and developing more supported accommodation.
“Overall, I am so proud that through our investment we make a positive difference to people and their communities.”
Executive Director of Customers - Carole Richardson
Carole feels that she is a great example of a North Star ‘Grow Your Own’ employee. After joining in 1991 as the Supported Housing Manager, she worked her way through a range of different roles and is now part of the executive team.
Previously, she was with Middlesbrough Council for 11 years, managing their homelessness and housing advice service. Through her work, she was dealing with Housing Associations, and met Endeavour, as North Star was then.
“Over time, I came to understand that I wanted to have more influence to make change happen,” Carole says. “Of all the Housing Associations that I worked with, my values most aligned with North Star, so I waited for a post to become available, I applied and got the job.”
Her next role with North Star was in Business Development, and then Assistant Director of Housing, moving into her previous role as Executive Director of People and Culture in 2017. This involved organisational development training and HR-type support functions to ensure progressive people approaches and strategies.
Carole moved into her current role on 1 May 2024. Carole says that taking on this role is a huge privilege. She will work with staff across the business to deliver great services to customers and ensure that customers can influence what we do and how we do it.
Along with the other directors, she is also charged with keeping North Star strong; ensuring they develop more homes, provide a great workplace for staff, and deliver high-quality services to their customers.
Carole says that she wants North Star to continue to grow and develop its approach to delivering flexible, accessible, effective services developed by listening to and involving its customers.
“It’s great to work here, to be so involved, to be able to influence, to be doing a job that I love, and be part of something so worthwhile.”
Executive Director of Finance and Business Support - Andrew Carlton
Andrew Carlton was appointed Executive Director of Finance and Business Support in January 2025, having previously held the Director of Finance position at North Star. He plays a pivotal role in shaping and safeguarding the organisation’s financial strength, ensuring North Star can continue to provide excellent services to customers and deliver much-needed new homes.
Andrew leads the Business Planning process, aligning financial resources with strategic priorities to support sustainable growth. He also oversees Treasury Management, ensuring the organisation maintains strong liquidity and has access to the funding required for investment in both new and existing homes. His responsibilities extend to driving Risk Management and acting as the organisational lead for Value for Money.
Andrew joined North Star in 2018 and has worked in the housing sector since 2008, beginning his career with a legacy organisation of what is now Karbon Homes. He became an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants in 2013.
Board
Our Executive Team report into our Board. Find out who sits on the North Star Board below