Barratt Developments North East has appointed Karen Wheatley as the first female commercial director to its board
Karen Wheatley joins the board as the region’s new commercial director, the first-ever female director of Barratt Developments North East.
Wheatley’s role as director on the board – which comprises seven members in total – will cover the growth and development of the business, while helping to identify new commercial opportunities.
Karen Wheatley began her career in construction in 1987
Wheatley has a degree in Quantity Surveying and began her career in construction in 1987 as a cost and bonus surveyor within the local government. After 16 years, she joined Frank Haslam Milan, where she worked for 19 years working her way up to head of commercial for new build construction.
Karen brings with her over 35 years of experience in new build sales and social housing, commercial builds, student accommodation, and modern methods of construction (MMC).
She has also recently taken part in a volunteer day at Whinnies Community Gardens, where Barratt staff members helped with the maintenance of the gardens, in Sunniside. The project is for people of all ages with mental and physical disabilities.
Karen Wheatley become the first female director on the board for Barratt Developments North East
Karen Wheatley, commercial director at Barratt Developments North East, commented: “I’m extremely excited not only to be the new commercial director for Barratt Developments North East, but also to be the first female on the board.
“As the largest housebuilder in the UK, I’m extremely keen to contribute to the great results that the company is already achieving, by strengthening and extending the supply chain and working in partnership with existing and new providers.
“I’m also looking forward to working closely with my team and supporting their development, while encouraging a workplace environment that is full of enthusiasm and drive.”
Carl Sobolewski, managing director at Barratt Developments North East, said: “We’re thrilled to have Karen join the board of directors at Barratt Developments North East as the new commercial director.
“With a wealth of experience in the construction and housebuilding industry, she has a lot of fantastic knowledge to offer and we’re looking forward to the guidance that she can provide to our commercial team – not only to help deliver our business strategy, but to also continue to support business’ growth by delivering quality homes to customers across the North East.”
