Awards success for Tai Tarian’s Chief Executive

Tai Tarian’s Chief Executive, Linda Whittaker is celebrating after winning a prestigious accolade.

The head of one of Wales’ largest social housing associations was named Influential Woman of the Year at the 2021 Women in Business awards.

Linda, who has been Tai Tarian’s Chief Executive since 2010, led the organisation as it took over the ownership of Neath Port Talbot Council’s housing stock. She currently leads a team of around 500 people.

She was nominated for her forward-thinking approach and for leading the organisation in its work to create sustainable homes, communities and planet.

In particular, she was praised for ensuring each tenant is cared for with a dedicated housing plan and for creating the Copper Foundation employment initiative, which gives opportunities to those struggling to find work.

She was also commended for leading the organisation’s ground-breaking work to improve the sustainability of its properties and becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Linda’s work outside of Tai Tarian, sitting on the boards of various charities and voluntary organisations, was also recognised at the awards ceremony.

Linda is one of the most respected figures in the housing sector, having worked for several housing associations over the past 30 years.  She also worked as a senior civil servant with the Welsh Government, overseeing a number of stock transfers as well as being responsible for the regulation of registered social landlords in Wales.

Speaking after picking up her award at Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall, Linda said:
“I am truly shocked with this award.  I wasn’t even expecting to be nominated, let alone win especially given the calibre of the other women nominated in this category.

“The ceremony today was a fantastic event and it’s been an honour to share the room with so many talented and inspiring women from so many different sectors all across Wales.”

“Working in housing for the past 30 years and with Tai Tarian since 2010 has been an enormous privilege. I’m proud of the work the sector does across Wales in ensuring people have a place they can call home in a community they can be proud of.”