Phil Andrew has taken up his position as Group Chief Executive at Orbit this week following his appointment earlier this year.
Phil joins from StepChange, the UK’s largest debt advice charity, where he served as Chief Executive and takes over the reins from Orbit Group Finance Director Jonathan Wallbank, who has been holding the position of Interim Group Chief Executive.
Phil Andrew commented: “I am delighted to join the Orbit team. It’s a fantastic organisation with a great portfolio, strong team and enormous potential. I am looking forward to being part of such a socially driven company and helping both Orbit and the wider sector to address some of the competing demands they are currently facing. My first priority will be listening and learning to understand how we can further improve our offering to customers, colleagues, and stakeholders. I’ll also be embarking on a tour of our homes and look forward to meeting and getting feedback from as many of our customers and colleagues as I can in the first few months.”
David Weaver, Orbit Group Chair, said: “We are thrilled that Phil is now in position and have no doubt that his knowledge and experience will further our journey towards our vision: to lead in building thriving communities. I’d like to thank Jonathan for stepping into the role whilst we awaited Phil’s arrival. With such a strong executive team now in place, the future for Orbit is an exciting one.”
Prior to joining StepChange, Phil 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 Chair of the Marketors’ Trust and was previously Vice-Chair of Raven Housing Trust and Chair of the Breck Foundation, an online safety awareness charity.