Our Chief Executive, Michelle Thomas, has confirmed that she will be retiring from the organisation in Autumn 2026, marking 40 years of dedicated service in the NHS and Livewell, having started her career as a student nurse in Plymouth.
During her time as Chief Executive, the organisation has continued to strengthen its delivery of high‑quality, community‑rooted services across Plymouth and the wider Devon area, with Michelle playing a pivotal role in deepening integrated working across the system.
Karen Cook, Chair of Livewell Southwest, said:
“On behalf of the Board, I want to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to Michelle for her outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. Michelle’s career is a testament to compassion, resilience and a deep commitment to public service. Her contribution to Livewell Southwest has been significant and enduring, and her influence on integrated care across the system will continue to be felt for many years to come.”
Michelle Thomas said:
“It has been the greatest privilege of my career to serve as Chief Executive of Livewell Southwest. From my first days as a student nurse in Plymouth, I could never have imagined the journey that lay ahead or the remarkable people and communities I would have the honour to work alongside.
“Livewell is a strong and values‑led organisation and I am immensely proud of what has been achieved together, particularly in strengthening community services and integrated care across Mental Health, Physical Health and Children & Young Peoples Services. While this has been a carefully considered decision, I know Livewell is well placed for the future and I look forward to working closely with the Board to ensure a smooth transition.”
The Board will shortly begin the process to appoint a successor.
