The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) is set for significant leadership changes.
Chief Executive Peter Axon and Chief Finance Officer Paul Brown have announced their departures, while former Michelin executive Mike Lawton has joined as a non-executive board member.
Peter has decided to step down after more than three years in the role with the ICB – a statutory organisation that has responsibility for NHS functions and budgets – and will remain in post until the summer while the board begins the recruitment process for his successor.
He said: “It’s been a tough decision to make to leave the ICB. I’ve been working in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent for the past six years and the wider NHS for 30 years, over half of that at board level.
“During my time I have been privileged to meet and work with some extraordinary people, genuinely wanting to make things better for the people we serve, leading in a compassionate and inclusive way – values and behaviours that I have always held close. Although I will be leaving, I remain truly committed to what we as the ICB are planning to achieve.”
Paul has also decided to move on after five years with the organisation and its predecessors. He will leave in the summer, with the recruitment process for a new CFO set to begin soon in collaboration with NHS England.
He said: “I have enjoyed a wonderful five years working here in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. I have made many life-long friends, and I am proud of my achievements here.
“The New Year is a time for reflection, and I decided over the break that now is a good time to move on. I said to Peter that I want to work my full six months’ notice so that I can help ensure a good year end and the agreement of a plan for the next financial year.
“I will focus on working with my team and system colleagues to ensure that there is a strong legacy, so that the system can go from strength to strength in the future.
“My personal aim is to carry on working in the NHS on new projects with some fresh challenges. I have another three years before I retire, and I hope and believe I still have a lot to give.”
Mike, who has substantial experience in global business transformation, commercial strategy and customer-focussed initiatives for Michelin, will chair the new strategic commissioning and transformation committee.
He has spent 16 years serving on the boards of five housing associations in the Midlands, working alongside care professionals, local authorities, healthcare providers and regulators, and has also been a manager at Wedgwood and other Stoke-on-Trent retailers.
Mike said: “I am delighted to be joining the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB and am inspired by the opportunity to support the NHS locally in addressing health inequalities and delivering essential care to our community.
“I bring with me a broad range of experience, as well as valuable insights that have empowered me to advocate for diversity and inclusion in both executive and non-executive roles and I look forward to supporting the ICB to deliver its outcomes.”
