St Luke’s appoints new Chief Executive

St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer who will lead the organisation into its next chapter.

Will Warrender will take up the role in April 2027, following the forthcoming retirement of our highly respected CEO, George Lillie.

Bringing a wealth of leadership experience, Will enjoyed a long and distinguished career as an officer in the Royal Navy before serving as CEO of South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), seeing the organisation through the unprecedented challenges of the Covid pandemic. He is currently a director at BAE Systems Saudi Arabia.

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Nick Thomas, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Will Warrender to St Luke’s. His values align closely with our own and throughout the appointment process he displayed outstanding professionalism, warmth and a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing hospices and the wider health and care system.

“His leadership experience, commitment to people and ability to build strong relationships will be invaluable as we continue to develop our services and support patients and families across the communities we serve.”

Will was previously a trustee of St Luke’s and has been a longstanding supporter of the hospice so he is already familiar with the organisation’s work and the difference it makes to local people.

Nick added: “Hospice care and the wider health and care sector are all facing challenges, but there are also significant opportunities. I am confident that Will’s experience and leadership will help us build on our vision and our reputation as we continue to deliver the outstanding care for which St Luke’s is renowned.”