The appointment, for an initial three-year term, was approved by our Council this month. Katie succeeds Sir Chris Kelly, who has completed his term as a trustee.
About Katie
Katie has more than 16 years' experience across the real estate, technology and sustainability sectors. She is currently Chief Business Officer at re:sustain, a cleantech business focused on improving the sustainability and performance of commercial property assets. She also serves as a Board Advisor to MeterZ and a Non-Executive Director of Trustek.
Katie has previously held senior leadership positions at Deepki, CBRE and Cluttons, leading business transformation, commercial growth and strategic partnerships across complex organisations.
She brings significant expertise in strategy, sustainability, innovation and stakeholder engagement, alongside governance experience gained through her non-executive roles.
Our trustees are unpaid voluntary roles and lead our decision-making on policy and strategy. They have legal oversight of our wide range of statutory duties and provide direction to our executive team.
Welcoming Katie to the Trust
David Orr CBE, our chair, said: "I am delighted to welcome Katie to the Canal & River Trust's Board. Our waterways face significant challenges as we adapt to a changing climate, while continuing to protect and restore this remarkable national asset for future generations.
"Katie brings a powerful combination of commercial leadership and shares our passion for the nation's canals and rivers and the role they play in supporting communities, wellbeing, biodiversity and environmental resilience.
"I would like to thank Sir Chris Kelly, who has completed his term as a trustee. Chris has made a significant contribution to the Trust during his time on the Board, generously sharing his experience, insight and commitment to our waterways. We are extremely grateful for his service and wish him every success for the future."
Significant opportunities ahead
Katie Whipp said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Canal & River Trust as a trustee at such an important point in its journey. Our canals and waterways are extraordinary national assets, playing a critical role in the lives of boaters and the communities that live alongside and use them, while also having an increasingly important role to play in the UK’s water and climate resilience.
“There are significant opportunities ahead, including developing partnerships and continuing to build the Trust’s long-term financial sustainability. I’ve already received an incredibly warm welcome from trustees, colleagues, volunteers and the wider Trust community, and I’m very much looking forward to working together in the years ahead.”
