Change of Chief Executive Officer

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Rachael Shimmin, OBE as Anchor’s new Chief Executive Officer. She will join the business in January 2026.

Rachael has had a distinguished career in public service leadership, particularly in health, social care and local government transformation. She was appointed as the CEO of Buckinghamshire County Council in 2016 and has led Local Government in the county through its formation and evolution into a billion-pound turnover organisation, merging five predecessor bodies and with over 4000 staff. She is a national influencer across Local Government and chairs the network of County Council Chief Executives who between them are responsible for services for over 27 million people.

Christopher Kemball, Chair, says of the appointment:

I am delighted to welcome Rachael as CEO of Anchor and member of the Board. She brings expertise in health and social care, along with a clear track record of organisational transformation and leadership. The Board and I are confident she will drive the improvements needed for Anchor’s future success. The Board expresses its deepest thanks to Amanda Holgate for agreeing to become interim CEO in June and providing strong, stable and thoughtful leadership during a period of significant change. We are very pleased that she will remain with Anchor as Chief Financial Officer.

Rachael Shimmin comments:

I am delighted to be joining Anchor. The Chief Executive Officer role has been ably filled on an interim basis by Amanda Holgate and I look forward to working with Amanda, the Management Team and the Board in the months and years ahead.