A NEW Chief Executive Designate of the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board has been appointed by NHS England and NHS Improvement.

Kevin Lavery was named as the new Chief Executive, and is an experienced CEO with public and private sector experience in the UK and overseas.

Kevin, who is from Newcastle upon Tyne, has been a CEO for the City of Newcastle upon Tyne, Cornwall Council and the City of Wellington in New Zealand.

He has been a consultant with Price Waterhouse, was CEO of technology firms Agilisys and Serco Solutions, and a director with BT. He was Managing Director for Enterprise PLC which was headquartered in Leyland.

Kevin is currently a director of Tuhura and Partners in New Zealand.

David Flory, Independent Chair for Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System, said: “I am excited and pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Lavery as Chief Executive Designate of the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board.

"Kevin’s appointment is a significant and welcome step in the development of our integrated care system in Lancashire and South Cumbria and we look forward to his experience and leadership at this crucial and exciting time for the partnership which I feel will make a significant impact on improving care for the people of Lancashire and South Cumbria.”

“I would also like to thank Andrew Bennett who has acted as the interim Chief Officer for the Integrated Care System since August and will continue to do so until Kevin takes up his role.”