Pobl Group today announced the appointment of Julia Cherrett as Chair Designate, confirming that current Chair, Wendy Bourton OBE, is to stand down after serving six years in post.
Julia is expected to be formally confirmed in the role at the Group’s Annual General Meeting which is taking place in September.
As she prepares to hand over the reins to Julia, Wendy reflected on a successful six years that has seen Pobl establish itself as Wales’ largest social housing and care provider and set ambitious targets for further growth this decade.
Wendy said:
“It’s been a simply amazing six years, as Pobl has matured into the strong, resilient, and successful Welsh housing and care provider it is today. Having the opportunity to be part of Pobl has indeed been a gift and I feel I have been very privileged to have played a part. Spending time with colleagues and customers and witnessing our values in practice is indeed heart-warming and inspiring. Simply the best! I wish Julia and Pobl the very best for the future.”
Already sitting on the Pobl board, Julia’s career began in HR in financial services and the water industry before moving to customer service and commercial roles in utility businesses in the UK and Europe.
An Independent Board Member with Natural Resources Wales. Julia has experience in leading major change programmes including service improvements and IT change and brings both operational and strategic experience to Pobl.
Reflecting on her appointment, Julia Cherrett said:
“I am proud to take up the post of Chair with Pobl and I’m excited about picking up the baton from Wendy, leading the Board in supporting the Group to achieve its ambitions. With a strong leadership team, people right across the business at every level who are passionate about what they do each day and a strong culture of shared endeavour in place, we have solid foundations to deliver for customers, communities and colleagues.”
Pobl Group Chief Executive Amanda Davies paid tribute to Wendy for her services, while welcoming Julia as Chair:
“Wendy has given tremendous service to Pobl, helping to steer the Group through the post-merger years and to truly establish the ‘One Pobl’ ethic. I know how proud she has been to serve as Chair, she will be missed by us all.
“In her place, Julia brings a wealth of expertise, experience and leadership acumen to the role and, having served on Pobl’s Board, offers continuity and will ensure that our culture of shared endeavour continues to thrive as we focus on delivering an ambitious programme of investment and service improvement.”
