Clarion Housing Group has announced that David Orr has joined the group Board from November 1.

David stepped down as chief executive of the National Housing Federation last month, after 13 years in one of the most high profile and strategically important roles in the sector. His contribution to social housing was celebrated in a recent speech by the Prime Minister, in which Theresa May said: “David has done much to refocus and reinvigorate the housing association sector and has been a worthy champion for your cause.”

David has had a thirty year career in housing, which includes time as the chief executive of Newlon Homes and working for homelessness charity Centrepoint. In his time as the CEO of the National Housing Federation, David campaigned to advance the interests of housing associations at all levels of government and worked with four different prime ministers.

David will join the group Board, which oversees all of the operations of Clarion Housing Group. David joins after the recent appointment of Clare Miller as the group chief executive and will bring unique experience to complement the existing leadership team. Clarion is the largest social landlord in the country and is planning to build 50,000 homes over ten years, of which two thirds will be affordable.

David Orr said: “I am delighted to be joining the board of Clarion. I have a lifelong commitment to the work of housing associations. I hope I can use that experience to assist the biggest housing association in the country to grasp the opportunities available now to make a compelling contribution to our shared task of ending the housing crisis. It is an exciting time and a hugely exciting role.”

Neil Goulden, chairman of Clarion Housing Group, said: “I am thrilled that David will be joining our board. He will bring unrivalled insight into the sector and the workings of government, coupled with a passion for building more affordable homes and tackling the housing crisis.”

Clare Miller, group chief executive, added: “It is a privilege to have David join the group Board. Under my leadership I am determined that Clarion will stay true to our social mission and play a major role in meeting the housing crisis. Being able to call on David’s insight and experience to help us meet our objectives will be invaluable.”