Donna is currently the director of strategic finance at Hanover Scotland. She will take up her new position later this spring and succeeds interim chief executive Brian Gannon.

Lindsay Forrest, chairperson of the association, said: We are delighted to make this announcement. After a thorough recruitment process, Donna was the outstanding candidate, bringing a mix of experience, personal values, vision and enthusiasm to this role.

“We are looking forward, under Donna’s leadership, to continuing to deliver our high standard of service to all customers and reinforcing the close working relationship we have between the Staff and the board.

“At the heart of all of this is our dedication to the communities we serve – something we have undertaken with deep-rooted commitment for over 45 years.”

Donna said: “I am absolutely delighted to be shortly joining Thenue as chief executive.

“Having worked within the housing sector for many years, I have always been motivated by the social purpose at the heart of our work. I am therefore incredibly proud to be taking on this role with an organisation that has such strong community roots and a clear commitment to its customers and neighbourhoods.

“Throughout the recruitment process, I was struck by Thenue’s values-led approach, the dedication of its people and the important role it plays within our many communities.

“I am very much looking forward to working with colleagues, partners and stakeholders across the sector as we continue to respond to the opportunities and challenges facing social housing.”

Donna has been with Hanover since March 2020. A qualified accountant, she has extensive experience across the third sector, including housing and the NHS.

Donna previously held a senior finance role with another large social landlord and was also a board member for a charity supporting vulnerable young women.