We are delighted to announce the appointment of Tracey Downie as our next Chief Executive.

Tracey is currently Executive Director of Housing Management at Homes for Haringey and Chair of Ekaya Housing Association. She will join Women’s Pioneer in May 2022 to succeed Denise Fowler who joined Women’s Pioneer in 2017.

Tracey has worked in the social housing sector for over 25 years, primarily in London-based housing associations and with a significant commitment to community development, resident engagement and challenging inequality. Over the last 15 years Tracey has held senior, Executive and Non-Executive roles.

Throughout her career in housing, Tracey has been an advocate for inclusivity and diversity, supporting and mentoring young housing professionals and currently mentors through the Future of London Leaders Plus programme.

Chair of the Board Kim Vernau said: “We are delighted to confirm Tracey as our next Chief Executive. She stood out from within a very strong field of applicants. I am confident that she will continue to further develop our high performing position in terms of governance, finances, and new build development, ably augmented by our former Chief Executive, Denise Fowler who guided Women’s Pioneer successfully over the last four years and leaves us in a strong position. Tracey will enable us to continue to meet the ambitions we have for our residents and their homes. We are very much looking forward to continuing a productive and successful working partnership with Tracey for many years”

Resident Engagement and Scrutiny Panel members, Mariam Antonini Soumare and Leyla Rahman said: “Tracey is passionate about the partnership between residents and staff working jointly. Her long career in social housing, work in developing and understanding communities and challenging inequality all goes to Women’s Pioneer’s purpose. We are encouraged to have Tracey as the new Chief Executive to continue the journey and form new ambitions encouraging residents and staff from the wide range of backgrounds and experiences they bring, to be involved at this next stage towards further success.

Tracey Downie: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Women’s Pioneer and building on the successful performance, commitment to residents, and wider focus on women's housing needs achieved through Denise Fowler's leadership. The strong values and inspiring ambitions that are at the core of this pioneering Housing Association reflect my own aspirations. I too, look forward to leading Women's Pioneer through many years of continued growth and success, with residents at the heart of all we do.