New Chief People Officer and Interim Executive Director of Finance appointments

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside is delighted to announce the appointments of Mike Gibney as our new substantive Chief People Officer, and Mark Bakewell as our Interim Executive Director of Finance.

Mike Gibney – Chief People Officer

Mike is currently the Chief People Officer for The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, where he has been a board member since 2013.

Mike brings with him extensive experience of human resources, organisational development, education and innovation – both in the NHS and local government - including nine years with social services, and in several regional roles.

Mike is joining us at a very important time and his collaborative approach to leadership will enable him to work successfully across our Integrated Care System.

It is planned that Mike will commence his role in January 2025 following the departure of our current Chief People Officer, Christine Samosa.

Mark Bakewell – Interim Executive Director of Finance 

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside has appointed current Place Director for Liverpool, Mark Bakewell, as our new Interim Executive Director of Finance.

This appointment will be for a minimum of six months following the departure of current Executive Director of Finance, Claire Wilson, who leaves the organisation in December 2024.

Mark has extensive first-hand knowledge and experience of Cheshire and Merseyside’s financial landscape having served as our Deputy Director of Finance - prior to his appointment to the role of Place Director for Liverpool - and previously, as Director of Finance for the former Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group.

We are sure that Mark’s appointment will be welcomed and bring great confidence across the system.

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside is currently considering options for the Place Director for Liverpool role, that will be left vacant by Mark.