Finance director replaces long-serving CEO

A trust whose long-serving chief executive left to become an NHS England regional director has appointed her successor.

Alder Hey Children’s Foundation Trust has announced John Grinnell will take over permanently from Louise Shepherd, after a period as interim.

Mr Grinnell, who has nearly 30 years of NHS experience and almost two decades at board level, joined Alder Hey as director of finance and deputy chief executive in April 2017. He was then appointed the trust’s managing director and chief finance officer in April 2023.

The appointment follows Ms Shepherd’s move last month to become NHS England’s regional director for the North West.

She led the provider for 16 years after being appointed chief executive in March 2008. Ms Shepherd also led the development of a children’s health campus, and remains well regarded by many leaders in the region.

She replaces Richard Barker in the North West regional role after he retired in June following four decades in the health service. No replacement has yet been named for the North East and Yorkshire regional director role, which Mr Barker also held. 

AHCFT chair Dame Jo Williams said: “John is already well known — and well respected — within Alder Hey, and our wider, local health economy, having played a leading role since joining us in April 2017.

“John’s expertise and experience of managing NHS finances is well recognised, but it is matched by his absolute commitment to ensuring children and young people have the best possible start to life.

“His skills and vision are exactly what Alder Hey needs, and I’m confident that with the support of the trust board, the executive team, and our colleagues, he will successfully guide us through the next stage of our journey.”

Following his appointment, Mr Grinnell said: “It is a deep honour to have been entrusted with the care of Alder Hey. It is a responsibility I take very seriously because I recognise the important role that we, as part of a wider healthcare system, must play in addressing the health inequalities that exist in our city region and beyond.

“Working alongside our brilliant people and partners, I am confident that we can make a difference.”