NHS Lanarkshire has appointed current local government leader Louise Long MBE as its new chief executive.
She will succeed Professor Jann Gardner, who is moving on to become head of neighbouring health board Greater Glasgow and Clyde – and says she is “excited to be joining at a time of real transformation in the health service”.
Ms Long is currently the chief executive of Inverclyde Council and will take up her new role on May 5, with current deputy chief executive Colin Lauder filling the role on an interim basis when Professor Gardner moves on next month.
NHS Lanarkshire officials praised the appointment of a “dynamic leader”, while the appointment was also welcomed by health secretary Neil Gray, the Airdrie & Shotts MSP, who said: “Louise brings a wealth of experience to the role and I look forward to working with her.”
Ms Long has worked for 30 years in the public sector, spending 25 in senior positions in education, social work, and health and social care including heading the portfolios of children and families, justice and chief social work officer at Argyll and Bute Council.
She was chief officer for Inverclyde Integration Joint Board and corporate director of the authority’s health and social care partnership before taking up her current role as chief executive of the local authority in September 2021, and she was appointed MBE for services to local government and the Inverclyde community in the 2024 new year honours.
She said: “I am excited to be joining NHS Lanarkshire as the new chief executive at a time of real transformation within the health service. There are fewer challenges greater than health and social care, and I am grateful for the opportunity make a positive difference in this area.
“NHS Lanarkshire has a committed and dedicated workforce with a real spirit of innovation in its approach to improving services. I am looking forward to meeting colleagues and working with them to deliver for our communities.”
Health board chair Martin Hill said: “Louise is a dynamic leader who has the skills and passion to continue to develop and drive our innovative plans to reform our health services and provide the best possible care for the people of Lanarkshire.
“She has a fantastic track record as a senior leader in health and social care and as well as high-level leadership experience as Inverclyde council’s chief executive.
“Louise shone throughout our comprehensive recruitment process as the right person to take us forward on the next stage of our transformation journey – we are absolutely delighted to have appointed her and look forward to welcoming Louise to her new role.”
Current deputy chief executive Mr Lauder, who is NHS Lanarkshire’s director of planning, property and performance, will serve as interim chief executive after Professor Gardner moves to her new role in Glasgow on February 1.
Her appointment to succeed Jane Grant, who is retiring, was announced in October, with Glasgow health board chair Dr Lesley Thomson KC praising Professor Gardner’s “vast experience and expertise in healthcare management, and proven track record in working in collaboration to deliver innovation and new ways of working”.
Professor Gardner started her career as a clinical pharmacist in both Lanarkshire and Greater Glasgow & Clyde, and was chief executive of NHS Golden Jubilee before taking the helm in Lanarkshire in December 2022.
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