The Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Sam Higginson as our chief executive officer (CEO), subject to completing pre-employment checks. Sam joins us on 22 January 2024.

Sam brings extensive experience to the role, having worked in and around the NHS for the last 20 years across strategy, finance and operational roles. Most recently, Sam supported the national work on elective recovery and was chief executive at Norfolk and Norwich University NHS Foundation Trust from 2019-2023.

Shan Morgan, Chair of the Royal Devon, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Sam to the Royal Devon.

“He brings with him a huge amount of expertise from his previous roles and a strong understanding of the challenges and issues facing the NHS. He is excited to join our Trust, and we are confident that he will use his skills, knowledge and energy to help us meet our ambitions.”

Sam said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust as CEO at the beginning of the New Year.

“This is a Trust with a strong reputation and a clear strategy for what it wants to achieve for its communities. I look forward to working with the Board of Directors and the senior leadership team to help it meet its ambitions, whilst navigating the current challenges and those ahead.”

Shan added: “I would like to say a warm thank you to Paul Roberts for the strength and stability he has brought to the Trust in his role as interim CEO. In a short space of time he has had a significant positive impact and we are grateful for his flexibility in supporting the transition to new leadership.”

Sam will work through an induction programme in the New Year and looks forward to meeting teams and learning more about the organisation.