Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) has announced the appointment of Chris Oliver as its new Chief Executive Officer, strengthening the Trust’s senior leadership at a pivotal time for mental health services across the region.
Oliver joins GMMH from Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, where he has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2022, leading services across a large and complex health and care system. He brings extensive operational and strategic experience from across the NHS, having previously held senior leadership roles including:
- Chief Operating Officer at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Director of Operations at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Commenting on his new role, Chris Oliver said:
“I am delighted to be joining Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) later this year and becoming part of the wider Greater Manchester health and social care system. It is a region defined by a strong sense of place, deep and mature partnership working, and a shared commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing for local communities. I feel privileged to be able to contribute to this.
“It has been a real honour to lead mental health, learning disability, autism and community services across Lancashire and South Cumbria over the past six years. During that time, we have delivered sustained improvements in quality and safety, made demonstrable reductions in harm, and supported more people to receive care closer to home. A milestone moment for me was seeing colleagues’ efforts recognised by our CQC overall Trust rating of ‘Good’. I would like to thank colleagues across the Trust for making my time here so rewarding, and for the outstanding care they provide each day.
“I look forward to bringing my experience to GMMH, working with the Trust Board, colleagues across the organisation, service users and carers, and partners across Greater Manchester to deliver the Trust’s ambitious strategy and continue to improve outcomes for the communities we serve.”
With a strong background in operational delivery, transformation and system working, Oliver’s appointment reflects GMMH’s continued focus on strong leadership, service quality and partnership working across Greater Manchester.
The move comes as NHS mental health providers face sustained demand, workforce pressures and rising complexity of need – placing a premium on experienced, system‑focused leadership.
Image credit: iStock and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS FT
