Mordak served just two years as chief executive of industry charity that campaigns on sustainability issues
Smith Mordak is no longer chief executive at the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), the organisation has said without giving a reason for their departure.
Mordak, who was appointed chief executive by the charity’s board of trustees in June 2023, was replaced by former deputy chief executive Simon McWhirter at the end of May.
In a post on LinkedIn, Mordak said: “After two years working as CEO of UKGBC, my tenure has come to an end.
“Collaborating with such dedicated colleagues to foster a safe, fair, and sustainable built environment has been an immense privilege, and I am deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”
Mordak, who changed their current role on LinkedIn to freelance at the beginning of this month, said they “look forward to sharing more about my own new ventures in due course”.
The UKGBC said Mordak had been chief executive until last month and there had since been a “change of leadership”, but declined to clarify why Mordak’s role had ended at the charity, which does not set fixed terms for its chief executives.
“Smith brought a wealth of industry knowledge, deep technical expertise, first-hand insights of creating sustainable places, and as a passionate campaigner for action on the environmental crises and to engender an equitable society,” the organisation said.
“During the last two years, we have valued the expertise and energy that they have brought to the UKGBC as the organisation continues to evolve. We would like to take this opportunity to wish them all the very best for their future endeavours.”
McWhirter was appointed UKGBC director of communications, policy and places in August 2021, becoming deputy chief executive in April 2023.
He has a background spanning sustainability advocacy, communications, finance, political engagement and property development in organisations including the WWF and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
He said: “Having been involved with UKGBC since its formation - as a consultant, member company, and most recently deputy CEO - I know the awesome collaborative power we can bring to the challenge of positioning our buildings as a real lever for change, to tackle the climate and nature crises we’re facing.”
He added: “I want to express my thanks to Smith, who was CEO until last month, for their sterling work over the past couple of years, and the support for me over that time.”
UKGBC chair Judith Everett said: “Simon brings strong relationships across the built environment sector, government and our partners, attuned to the nature and climate crises we face.
“His sector experience across domestic and international networks, and – supported by UKGBC’s passionate and capable team – makes him well-placed to lead this next phase.”
The appointment comes as the UKGBC launches a new team providing market and development advice, composed of sustainability experts from firms including Arup, Cundall, WSP and Mott MacDonald.
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