Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has welcomed experienced, senior business leader Mark Jones, as he begins shadowing current Chair Robert Armstrong, who is retiring after seven years in the position.
Officially WWL Chair from November 2021, Mark brings with him a long-standing and respected international and domestic career in the Pharma Industry, and since retiring has gained experience as a Non-Executive Director at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (LHCH).
Mark worked closely with hospital executives and management at LHCH on developing strategies, business cases and the planned delivery of the National People Plan, with a particular focus on addressing equality and diversity challenges.
People, organisational culture and values are central to Mark’s approach, something he will be focused on during his transitional period.
Upon joining WWL, Mark said: “I am delighted to join WWL and I am motivated by meeting the Trust’s goals, whilst steering a way through the current and post-pandemic challenges.
“I’m looking forward to joining Robert Armstrong and learning from his experience as a well-respected and successful Chair.
“Most importantly, I’m excited to meet Trust staff and partners so that I can listen to their thoughts and ideas, and understand what matters most to them.”
Welcoming Mark to WWL, Robert Armstrong said:
“I am delighted to welcome Mark to the WWL family and I’m excited to work alongside him over the next six months, as he learns more about our Trust.
“Mark has a wealth of leadership experience in healthcare and he joins us at a time in which those qualities will be of huge benefit to everyone at WWL.
“For myself, it has been an honour to be Trust Chair these past seven years. It has been an enriching and fulfilling experience to see our teams work together, tirelessly to provide the quality care that our patients need.”
WWL’s Lead Governor Linda Sykes added: “On behalf of the Council of Governors I’m delighted to welcome Mark to the position of Chair.
"Following a thorough search and robust recruitment process, we have no doubt that Mark will prove a formidable leader and will contribute greatly to the journey WWL will be taking over the next few years.
“Mark has extensive experience as a leader in healthcare, and as Lead Governor I’m particularly looking forward to working with Mark as he chairs the Council of Governors.”
Silas Nicholls, WWL Chief Executive said of Mark’s appointment: “It’s exciting to welcome someone with Mark’s wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise to WWL. Throughout the recruitment process Mark clearly demonstrated his passion for our patients, carers, staff and governors, and how that can help to benefit everyone at the Trust.”