Welcoming Our New Chair: Nicki Clark OBE
We are very pleased to announce Nicki Clark OBE as the new Chair of North Star's Board of Directors. Nicki takes over from Anna Urbanowicz, who is stepping down after reaching her maximum term. Anna has given many years of dedicated service to North Star.
Nicki has almost 20 years of leadership experience. As Chief Executive of UMi, an employee-owned B Corp, she helps small and medium-sized businesses across the UK succeed by removing barriers to advice, support, and funding.
She also has experience in housing, education, business, and social impact through her roles at B Corp UK, the CBI, and as a North Star Board Member since 2022. These roles show her strong commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth.
A supporter of purposeful business, Nicki’s values match our mission to make a real difference in communities.
Nicki Clark commented:
“It's an absolute privilege to be taking over as Chair of North Star. It's a truly exceptional organisation in every way. Thanks to the team and my colleagues on the Board for their support.”
Outgoing Chair Anna Urbanowicz said:
“When I joined North Star as a Board Member in 2017, I never anticipated just how much I would enjoy my time here. I discovered the social housing sector late in my career, but my journey with North Star has been a great opportunity to help shape my community, as well as being so personally fulfilling. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as Chair of such a brilliant organisation.
“Thank you to all my colleagues, past and present, including fellow Board Members, staff and engaged tenant groups, for your support and your great contributions. I wish Nicki all the very best in her new role.”
North Star Chief Executive, James Walder, added:
"It has been a privilege to work with Anna during her time as a Board member, Chair of the Risk and Audit Committee, and most recently as Chair of the Board. While her financial expertise has been invaluable, it has been Anna’s people skills, customer focus, and passion for rural housing that have shaped her contribution to North Star. Over the past eight years, she has championed our values and culture and delivered meaningful outcomes for our customers and communities.
“We are equally excited to welcome Nicki Clark as the new Chair. Nicki brings a deep commitment to social purpose and customer service, demonstrated through her time as a Board member and as the Member Responsible for Complaints. We look forward to working with Nicki, the Board, and our customers as we develop our next five-year strategy."
