Odgers Berndtson appoints new Head of Central Government & Housing Practice

Rebecca Royle has made many key appointments across the public sector, including the Chair of Homes England, the CEO of Catalyst Housing, and non-executive directors at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

May 13 London – Odgers Berndtson, a leading global executive search firm, has appointed Rebecca Royle to lead its Government Practice, as the demand for high-performing senior leaders grows across the public sector.

Royle was previously the head of Odgers Berndtson’s Housing Practice, is currently co-chair of the firm’s Ethnicity Allies Group, and sits on the firm’s Inclusion & Diversity steering board. She also spent six years as a non-executive director for South Yorkshire Housing Association.

A prominent headhunter within the housing and government sectors, Royle has made numerous high-profile appointments. These include the Chair of Homes England, CEO of Catalyst Housing, and non-executive directors for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), among many others.

In her new role, Royle will focus on chief executive, chair and non-executive director roles within central government agencies and departments, as well as maintaining her remit in the housing sector. A key aspect of her work will be helping these organisations tackle diversity within their senior leadership teams. She will also work with them to attract candidates from the commercial sector, to meet the growing demand for leaders with a broad background of skills and experiences.

Commenting on her appointment, Royle said:

“For the past year, the spotlight has been firmly placed on government leadership. Finding candidates with the skills to lead and inspire, and to guide organisations through disruption has never been as important as it is now. For us, providing creative and diverse shortlists for our clients is also front and centre of every role we work on, and we are immensely proud to be helping a range of central government and housing organisations address these leadership challenges.”

As a result of the pandemic a key skill for many of the public sector leaders Royle places is the ability to lead, inspire, and foster an inclusive culture in a remote environment.

Kester Scrope, CEO of Odgers Berndtson, said:

“I am delighted that Becky brings her wealth of experience to the leadership of our Central Government Practice. Becky brings a deep sense of commitment, purpose and value in helping government find the sort of leaders that will positively contribute to shaping policy and service delivery across the UK.”