Llamau, Wales’ leading homelessness charity has announced the appointment of Deputy CEO Sam Austin to the position of joint CEO alongside current CEO Frances Beecher.

Llamau’s Chair Pete Mackie stated;

“Succession planning for the leadership of Llamau is really important and the Board began this crucial process of future proofing the organisation back in 2018. 

As our current CEO moves towards flexi working and then retirement in 2025, our Board decided that in order to ensure a smooth and ‘business as usual’ approach for Llamau, it would be in Llamau’s best interests for Sam and Frances to become joint CEOs for the interim.

Having consistency and retention of organisational knowledge, culture and values at CEO level is vitally important. Llamau is determined to continue improving, learning and focusing on service delivery for the people we are privileged to support. This will mean we are also in the best position to continue to push for better funding and better pay for our colleagues. We are extremely fortunate to have the support from Frances and Sam to be able to manage the leadership transition in this way”.

Frances Beecher added, “I am delighted to be working in partnership with Sam going forward, we have successfully worked very closely together for 24 years, and this decision is undoubtedly in Llamau’s best interests. Going forward I know Llamau will go from strength to strength with such amazing colleagues, a brilliant senior team and with Sam at the helm”. 

Sam Austin responded; “To say being appointed joint CEO is an incredibly humbling and proud moment is a huge understatement. Becoming joint CEO is a massive honour. As CEOs and leaders, we are custodians of this wonderful charity, alongside our colleagues. I promise I will do my utmost for every single person we support, for every colleague and for Llamau as a whole”.