Mind CEO to step down in October

Mind’s Chief Executive Paul Farmer CBE will leave the organisation in October after 16 years at the helm – as one of the longest serving leaders in the charity sector.

He will take up the reins as Chief Executive of Age UK, tackling major challenges facing older people, including mental health-related issues such as isolation and loneliness.

Throughout his highly impactful tenure he has worked with colleagues and partners to bring about dramatic changes in the mental health landscape, including a major shift in public awareness and attitudes.

Most recently, he has overseen the launch of a new strategy and brand for Mind.

Paul Farmer said: “It will be a huge wrench to leave an organisation that I care so deeply about, but I’m also a firm believer that there are times when a change of leader is important.

“It has been a huge honour to lead Mind and play a part in changing the conversations around mental health, securing significant changes for mental health and leading the Mind federation to new heights.

“Of course, there is much still to do to ensure that everybody with a mental health problem gets both the support and respect they are absolutely entitled to, and I will continue to be a massive supporter of the work Mind does.”

Mind’s Chair Stevie Spring said: “Paul has been an outstanding leader, a passionate champion for people with mental health problems, an agent of positive change and a pleasure to work alongside. We will miss him.

“I want to a say a big thank you on behalf of the charity and all our beneficiaries for all he has done around mental health. Age UK is lucky to have him.”

Mind will immediately begin the search for his successor in this critical role.

Toby Strauss, Age UK Chair of Trustees comments: “We are looking forward to welcoming Paul as our new CEO later in the year.

“Paul brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise about mental health from his impressive tenure at Mind and his previous management roles at Rethink and Samaritans, and about the charity sector more generally.

“Paul’s commitment to the needs of older people makes him well placed to lead Age UK through the next stages of our journey, at a time when they have never been more pressing.”