The Mental Health Foundation has announced the appointment of Mark Rowland as its new Chief Executive with immediate effect.
Mark has been the Director of Fundraising and Communications at the Mental Health Foundation for the past three years - contributing to significantly growing the organisation's income and public profile.
Mark also brings with him a track record of growth and innovation from a range of international development organisations in the UK and abroad including at Christian Aid and Voluntary Service Overseas, where he worked prior to moving into mental health. He is a psychology graduate and holds an MBA from the Open University.
Mark also brings a passion for this work because of his direct experience of the tragic consequences of mental ill health in his own family.
Chair of the Board of Trustees Keith Leslie said:
"I am delighted to announce the board offered the role to Mark. We are now excited to realise the vision for the future of the Foundation set out by Mark and look forward to a step-change as we celebrate our 70th anniversary during 2019."
Mark Rowland said:
"I feel honoured and humbled to lead a talented and experienced team and be given the responsibility to build on the work of staff over 70 years who have brought us to where we are today.
"The two big priorities for me are how we come together to take hold of the window of opportunity to lead the way in the prevention of mental health problems and secondly, how we build a growing, creative and potent organisation at the Foundation where people can thrive.
"I hope we look back in a few years and know that because of our work countless individuals, families, organisations and communities are more resilient, insightful, equipped and compassionate and that particularly at-risk groups are more protected and empowered."
Mark succeeds Jenny Edwards as Chief Executive who left the Foundation in November 2017.