The dental health charity the Oral Health Foundation has appointed Andrew Hay as its next chief executive.
Hay, who has spent more than 40 years working in retail, for Sainsbury’s and latterly the Co-op, is the long-term successor to Nigel Carter, who retired in March due to ill health after almost 30 years in the role. Carter’s death was announced by the charity over the summer.
Hay, who has been a trustee of the foundation for the past two years, has been working for the Co-op since 2015, as head of operations and before that as a strategic HR business partner, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Before joining the Co-op, Hay spent 30 years at Sainsbury’s in a variety of store-based positions until he moved into its logistics division in 2009.
Tim Newton, chair of the Oral Health Foundation, said: “Andrew brings a valuable combination of commercial, operational and people experience, as well as an existing understanding of our organisation, our team and the opportunities ahead.
“We have made important changes over the last 12 months to strengthen the charity and increase our impact and influence across oral health. Andrew is the right person to build on that progress, providing the ambition and leadership we need for our next chapter.”
Hay said: “Having served as a trustee, I have already seen first-hand the expertise, commitment and passion that exists across the organisation.
“I’m looking forward to working with the team, our partners and the wider oral health community to build on the progress already made and explore how we can increase our reach, influence and impact.”
Hay will join the charity on 18 January. Kerry Geldart, who was appointed interim chief when Carter retired, will continue in the role until Hay joins.