Karen Howell, CEO of Great Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) announces her intention to retire this summer
Following a very successful two years at GMMH Karen Howell OBE will be stepping down to retire in June 2026. In a note to staff Karen shared her admiration and pride in her colleagues and partners for supporting her to lead GMMH out of the national Recovery Support Programme and into a new and exciting phase of its improvement.
Karen, said: “It has been a privilege to be the CEO of GMMH and I believe it is now time for someone else to take the organisation forward in its ambition to be an excellent provider of healthcare, a great place to work and build further its internationally established reputation as a leader in the field of research and innovation.
“After over 46 years of national, regional and local health and care service, it is time for me to take a break and focus on my loved ones and my life outside of the NHS. Like very many people working across the public sector, my loved ones and indeed myself have had to come a close second for too long. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds.”
GMMH Chair, Tony Warne, said: “Karen has been a transformational leader, a wonderful colleague and it’s been a real privilege to work alongside her on our improvement journey - she has helped colleagues from across GMMH to regain their pride, become empowered and fulfil our shared ambition to make a difference for our service users, their carers and families, and the wider communities we work in. I wish her well as she starts her retirement and the next stage on her life journey - thank you Karen.”
Karen will work with the Trust Chair to support a thorough and transparent recruitment process to secure a new leader for GMMH.
During her time as CEO, Karen oversaw the appointment of a brand-new Board, implementation of a strengthened governance structure and a reduction of out of area placements from 110 to just one, saving up to £30 million which will enable reinvestment into community services, early intervention and prevention. This was in addition to the re-opening of low and medium secure forensic mental health services, delivery of multi award-winning developments at Central Park and North View, and internationally recognised anti-racism work.
Acting CEO of NHS Greater Manchester, Professor Colin Scales, said: “Karen has had an exceptional career and she has brought a level of energy, determination and passion to the CEO role at GMMH that sets her apart from most other leaders. Karen will be an enormous loss to the NHS leadership community, to Greater Manchester and to GMMH. It has been a privilege to work alongside her and I will miss her.”
Karen joined GMMH in 2024 following the appointment of a new Chair in January 2024. Together they have worked hard to lead GMMH out of recovery in less than two years, including appointing a new Board.
Karen is a registered nurse and was awarded an OBE in 2023 for services to health care, having made major contributions to the NHS, including leading large and complex organisations across acute, secondary, community mental health and primary care services.
With a strong and track record in leading and transforming mental health services, Karen has worked in leadership positions across Cheshire and Merseyside, and across NHS Wales. She has led and delivered change in national policy for mental health and community services and worked with NHS England as National CEO Advisor on community services. Throughout her career, Karen has worked at local, national and international level advising independent health and care providers across Great Britain and Europe.
