04 November 2016
The reins of the Local Optical Committee Support Unit (LOCSU) have been handed to Richard Whittington, who will take up the newly created role of chief operating officer with immediate effect.
Current managing director, Katrina Venerus, announced in September that she would shift to a part-time role with the optical body. She is planning to complete a Masters degree in healthcare leadership.
Mr Whittington joined LOCSU over the summer as the assistant director of commissioning, bringing his experience in a clinical commissioning group to the organisation.
LOCSU chairman, Alan Tinger, said: “In the short time [Richard] has been with LOCSU, he has shown that he is the ideal candidate to take LOCSU forward and help us deliver the Breakthrough Strategy.”
Mr Tinger added: “With his specialist knowledge of commissioning and service redesign,…Richard possesses the specific skills and practical experience that will help us make progress on our strategic aim to increase the pace and scale of eye health services and take some of the strain off hospital capacity.”
Ms Venerus led LOCSU “magnificently” for four years, Mr Tinger highlighted, adding: “Her new role as clinical director means that LOCSU has continuity and a formidable top team to drive progress and deliver success.”