Rowcroft Hospice has announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive, Mark Hawkins, who will lead the charity forward on the next stage of its journey.
Mark is an experienced CEO with a breadth of experience across many UK and International markets and organisations. He was officially appointed following a competitive recruitment process, which drew applications from across the UK.
Mark said: “It is a real privilege to lead such a prestigious and renowned hospice and I am excited to build on its outstanding reputation.”
Rowcroft announced last July that it was facing a drastic funding shortfall due to a rise in costs and demand for its services, coupled with a significant drop in legacy income.
A key focus for the new CEO will be to develop new income streams; not just to secure the immediate future of Rowcroft, but also for future generations of local people.
Mark said: “We need to ensure we have a secure and sustainable future; one where we are more in control of our own destiny and where we can weather any storm. We deliver outstanding palliative care to the South Devon community, and this is sacrosanct to me.”
Rowcroft launched its urgent fundraising appeal last July in a bid to raise a further £585,000 for the hospice before April 2017. The appeal has been very successful with the local community rallying to support, raising in excess of £400,000 so far. Mark continued:
“I am thankful to everyone who has donated to the hospice during this tremendously difficult time. The support of our local community has been incredible and I want to ensure we continue this momentum so that the outstanding care is available to all those who need it.”
For almost 35 years, Rowcroft Hospice has supported local people with life-limiting illnesses – and their families – to cope with their conditions by making every day the best it can possibly be.
The care this local charity provides, both at the hospice in Torquay and in patients’ homes across South Devon, is given completely free to all and is recognised as being of exceptional quality. The Care Quality Commission rated the service in 2016 as ‘Outstanding’ – the highest possible rating.
Rowcroft Chair of Trustees, Dr Cathryn Edwards, added:
”We are delighted to appoint Mark to this role. His experience is a tremendous asset to the hospice and we look forward to the next chapter of Rowcroft’s development.”
Mark holds a Master’s degree in Management Science and an MBA. Originally from Worcestershire, Mark now lives in the South Hams with his wife and two boys. He loves travelling and sport and spending time with his family.
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