Wayhome appoints Mike Weston as Non-Executive Director

Wayhome, the company pioneering Gradual Homeownership, has today announced the appointment of Mike Weston to its Board. Mike joins the Board as a Non-Executive Director and brings unrivalled expertise in the UK LGPS and DB pensions sectors, complementing Wayhome Chair, Duncan Howorth’s considerable experience of DC and master trusts.

An innovative fintech, Wayhome has a proven track record of bringing together pension fund investment to help solve some of the nation’s big homeownership affordability issues. Wayhome has already deployed an initial £75m of pension fund investment and is expanding its reach across defined benefit and defined contribution schemes, and insurance companies, aiming to open up homeownership to Generation Rent with its part-own-part-rent, no mortgage, proposition.

Commenting on his appointment, Mike Weston, said: “Wayhome’s innovative approach to addressing people’s everyday home ownership affordability challenge is truly inspiring. By leveraging pension scheme investments to assist first-time homebuyers, they’ve created a mutually beneficial solution for pension schemes and individuals. Tackling the country’s significant affordable housing issues requires joined up thinking, and I’m thrilled to be part of an initiative at the forefront of tackling this crucial challenge.”

Duncan Howorth, Chair of Wayhome, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Mike to our Board at this crucial juncture for the LGPS sector. His expertise and vision will be instrumental as we navigate the changes prompted by the recent government consultation looking at the future of the scheme. Mike’s arrival coincides with an increasing need for more localised investment strategies, particularly in addressing urgent local housing needs.

“Mike joins Wayhome at an exciting time as we continue to introduce our innovative housing solution to the UK pensions sector. This approach enables pension schemes to achieve robust returns while maximising their social and local impact.”

Mike has spent over 30 years managing and investing for public, private and, charity sector pension schemes. He is an Accredited Professional Trustee at Pi Partnership and is the longstanding independent Chair of Trustees of the Institute of Cancer Research Pension Scheme. Mike has also developed a portfolio of complementary senior advisory and consulting roles within the UK pensions, investment management and real assets industries.

Mike has held many roles in the pensions industry, including, most recently, Chief Executive of the LGPS Central Pool and the Pensions Infrastructure Platform, and Chief Investment Officer of the Daily Mail Pension Scheme.