The chief executive of the London Community Foundation has been appointed to the top job at the Nationwide Foundation.
Kate Markey will take up her new role in early 2024 after almost six years at the LCF.
The LCF said Markey had led the organisation’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.
She also spearheaded a major reset programme to better position the foundation to create a bigger impact in disadvantaged areas of London.
Before entering grant-making, Markey was editor of Big Issue North.
Russell Prior, chair of the LCF, said Markey had an “enormous impact” on the foundation.
He said: “During her time at the London Community Foundation, Kate has overseen the launch of major fundraising campaigns on the issues that matter most to London, including violence affecting young people, school exclusions and violence against women and girls.
“Whilst we are sad to see Kate leaving the London Community Foundation, we are really pleased to see Kate moving to a role of such national importance,” he added.
Markey said: “The UK’s housing crisis is having a devastating impact on families and communities. I feel privileged to be joining a team and board of trustees so committed to tackling the crisis now and for the long term, working strategically and collaboratively across the housing sector.”
Saphié Ashtiany, chair of the Nationwide Foundation, said: “Kate will be able to lead the development of our strategy, taking a long-term approach to influencing the conditions for systemic change in the housing sector both directly and with our partners including, in particular, the mutually important and valued relationship with Nationwide Building Society.”
The Nationwide Foundation is backed by funding from the Nationwide Building Society and gave out grants totalling almost £1.8m in the year to the end of March 2022.
The London Community Foundation said it planned to launch the recruitment process for its next chief executive this week.