PlaceShapers has appointed three new member chief executives to its board, bringing in experience from different regions and organisation types.
James Francis (pictured, left) from Saffron Housing, Anne Waterhouse (pictured, centre) from Wandle Housing Association, and Kevin Rodgers (pictured, right) from Citizen Housing have joined.
Waterhouse said: “I’m thrilled to join the Placeshapers board, an organisation dedicated to championing the power of place and community.
“Wandle has been a proud member of PlaceShapers for many years, and by joining the board I’m eager to help our members overcome the challenges we face in delivering this mission.
“Now more than ever, it’s vital to highlight the positive impact we bring to our communities, and the opportunity to bring a London perspective to this work inspired me to become a board member.”
Francis said: “I believe those that embrace the challenges of the external environment will be able to do more for the communities we were established to serve.
“I am looking forward to contributing to the positive and collaborative work of PlaceShapers during this pivotal time for the housing sector.”
Rodgers said: “I was really keen to join the PlaceShapers board because it’s a great organisation and we have been proud to be a member.
“The increasing focus on regeneration and creating places that are fit for the future aligns with our values and plans.”
Matthew Walker, PlaceShapers chair and CEO of Leeds Federated Housing Association, said: “Individually Anne, Kevin and James are outstanding additions.
“Collectively their diversity in terms of type of organisation, geography and size adds even greater strength to our board.
“This is an exciting but challenging time for the sector. There is refreshed energy through the government’s commitment in the Social and Affordable Housing Programme combined with a renewed focus on place-based regeneration.”
Walker added: “At the same time members are facing many challenges in their work to help communities thrive.
“All three bring a passion to drive forward PlaceShapers to support the sector in its place-shaping ambitions.”
Waterhouse, Francis and Rodgers succeed Gary Fulford from WHG, David Cummins from Warrington Housing Association and Claire Higgins from Cross Keys Homes, who stepped down in December 2025.
Walker added: “Gary, David and Claire leave the board with our great thanks for their huge contribution and we know they will stay connected to PlaceShapers, even though their board terms have sadly come to an end.”
