A housing association has announced the placement of a new chief executive.

Orbit has announced the appointment of Phil Andrew, currently Chief Executive of the UK’s largest debt advice charity StepChange, as new Group Chief Executive.

Mr Andrew will join the social landlord by 3 July 2023, with Orbit Group Finance Director, Jonathan Wallbank, appointed Interim Chief Executive as Mark Hoyland steps down.

David Weaver, Orbit Group Chair, said: “I am delighted that Phil is joining us. He brings with him a strong commercial focus combined with meaningful experience of leading organisations that are driven by social purpose. This, alongside his knowledge of social housing and his experience from outside the sector, will add impetus in driving forward Orbit’s vision: to lead in building thriving communities.”

Mr Andrew said: “Social Housing is one of the most important and challenging sectors in the social purpose environment. With so many competing demands, from building safety, decarbonisation and raising the bar of social housing, to supporting customers through the cost of living crisis, it requires a deep understanding of the heavy social obligation which comes with creating thriving communities, along with a strong financial focus, and I am hugely looking forward to playing my part.”

Prior to joining StepChange, Mr Andrew was Chief Executive of Working Links, which provides innovative interventions to disadvantaged and socially excluded groups within the UK, Ireland, and the Middle East. He has also held a number of senior positions in the UK and France including Chief Finance Officer of Sodexo UK & Ireland, and Chief Executive, Sodexo Justice Services. He is a Chartered Accountant, qualified treasurer, and Chartered Marketer, and is Vice-Chair of Raven Housing Trust and previously Chair of the Breck Foundation, an online safety awareness charity.