Brighton and Hove’s former mental health chief, Sam Allen, has been promoted to the top job at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
She will become chief executive in the spring when Colm Donaghy retires from the post.
Ms Allen is currently the deputy chief executive and executive director of strategy and improvement at Sussex Partnership, having joined the trust seven years ago.
She was the service director in charge of Brighton and Hove for 18 months in 2012-13, responsible for mental health and dementia services in Brighton and Hove with a budget of about £38 million.
She said: “I’m really excited by this opportunity. In particular, I want to build on Colm Donaghy’s leadership as CEO in embedding our values in everything we do at Sussex Partnership.
“I firmly believe we need to work together in partnership across the health and care system to meet the needs of our communities.
“That means working with people who have lived experience of using mental health services, carers, clinical and support staff, as well as other organisations responsible for health and social care.
“But this gives us the opportunity to think boldly and creatively about how we work and what we can do differently to improve patient, carer and staff experience.”
Caroline Armitage, who chairs the Sussex Partnership board, said: “I am delighted Sam will be taking up the role of CEO. She is incredibly well respected within our organisation and across the wider health and social care system.
“Her drive, experience, expertise and passion for the NHS are exactly what we need to help us continue improving services for the patients, carers and local communities we serve.
“She is also someone who demonstrates how true leadership involves valuing others, supporting and encouraging them to achieve their potential.”
She starts at the beginning of April.
