Mark Whittaker confirmed as Chair for fourth year, as 2024 AGM announced

News

Mark Whittaker CIWFM, is to serve a fourth year as Chair of the IWFM following a decision by the Board to extend his tenure by a further year.  

The move, announced alongside details of the 2024 AGM, follow a 2023 review of the Institute’s Governance structures resulting in the introduction of new rules which allow an incumbent to remain in position for a total of four years, following a formula of a two-year term, then two one-year extensions subject to Board approval.   

IWFM CEO Linda Hausmanis said,  

‘As we approach the second half of our transformative strategy, experience and consistency matter. Mark personifies those elements, and I am delighted that the Board has endorsed him as Chair for one more year, the last in our current strategic cycle. I look forward to continuing to work closely with him’.    

‘In a week that has seen IWFM launch a new Strategic Leaders Forum, a major Skills Survey and the Deborah Rowland Scholarship for new entrants to the profession I’m proud of the difference we are making and excited for the year ahead as we continue to offer value for our members, organisations and the wider sector.  

Mark Whittaker said,    

‘It is an honour and privilege to have my tenure as Chair extended for a fourth and final year. 

‘I’m proud at what IWFM has achieved in the first part of its strategy to build value for members and organisations and to reach out to new audiences. There’s more to do and I’m delighted to be staying on to ensure the Board plays a full part in ensuring these initiatives progress. 

‘My priorities remain as they were at the start of my tenure, namely the “six Cs”: continuity, community, chartership, communication, character, plus advocating for WFM as a career of choice for the workplace and facilities management professionals of the future. I look forward to delivering for the community and profession for the remainder of my tenure.’ 

Earlier this week, Whittaker chaired senior workplace and facilities leaders at the National Estates in Education Conference 2024 and delivered a keynote speech sharing the latest IWFM insights on Sustainability and the Market Outlook, each pointing towards the sector’s opportunity from upskilling, embracing sustainability and technology and engaging diverse talent pools, from school leavers to veterans.