South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust has appointed Paul Calaminus as its new chief executive, with the experienced leader set to take up the role in summer 2026. Calaminus joins from North East London NHS Foundation Trust, where he currently serves as chief executive, and previously held the same position at East London NHS Foundation Trust.
The appointment comes at a critical moment for the organisation, which is one of the largest and most prominent mental health trusts in the country, providing services across south London and nationally recognised for its research and specialist care.bTrust leaders have indicated that the new chief executive will play a central role in shaping the organisation’s next phase, following a period of internal challenge and scrutiny.
Addressing concerns over culture and staff experience
The leadership change follows concerns about organisational culture, with reports describing a “demoralising culture” within the trust. Such findings are significant in the context of NHS workforce pressures, where staff morale, retention and engagement are increasingly recognised as critical to service quality and patient outcomes.
While detailed findings have not been fully disclosed publicly, cultural issues in NHS organisations are often linked to factors such as workload pressures, leadership stability and communication challenges. The appointment of a new chief executive is therefore being framed as an opportunity to reset organisational culture, rebuild staff confidence and strengthen leadership visibility. Calaminus is expected to focus on creating what the trust has described as a “compassionate culture” alongside improvements in quality and performance.
Track record in system leadership and improvement
Calaminus brings extensive experience in leading complex NHS organisations, particularly within mental health and community services. At North East London NHS Foundation Trust, he has held system-wide responsibilities, including contributing to integrated care board leadership and driving collaboration across services.
His previous tenure at East London NHS Foundation Trust was associated with a strong focus on quality improvement, data-driven decision-making and reducing health inequalities, areas that align closely with current NHS priorities.
According to the trust, he has a track record of “guiding organisations through challenge” while maintaining a focus on safe, high-quality care and continuous improvement. This experience is likely to be central to his approach at South London and Maudsley, particularly as the organisation seeks to address both cultural and operational challenges.
Transition period and organisational stability
Ahead of Calaminus taking up post, the trust’s chief operating officer, Ade Odunlade, will continue as interim chief executive to ensure continuity. This transitional arrangement is intended to maintain momentum on existing priorities while preparing for a leadership handover during a period of change.
Board leadership has emphasised the importance of stability, noting that the organisation is undergoing a “significant period of change” and requires consistent direction to support staff and services. The timing of the appointment also aligns with broader NHS reforms, including increasing emphasis on integrated care systems, workforce wellbeing and service transformation.
Implications for digital transformation and mental health services
The leadership change has wider implications for health technology and digital strategy within mental health services. South London and Maudsley is a key player in digital innovation, including the use of electronic patient records, data analytics and research platforms linked to academic partners.
Improving organisational culture is increasingly seen as a prerequisite for successful digital transformation. Poor staff engagement can hinder adoption of new systems, while strong leadership and culture can accelerate innovation and improve outcomes. Calaminus’s background in data-informed improvement and system integration suggests a continued focus on using digital tools to enhance care delivery, particularly in areas such as population health, remote monitoring and service coordination. More broadly, the appointment reflects a growing recognition across the NHS that leadership capability is central to delivering both operational recovery and long-term transformation.
A pivotal moment for the trust
The arrival of a new chief executive marks a significant moment for South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. With cultural challenges to address and ongoing pressures on mental health services, the organisation faces a complex set of priorities.
For policymakers and health technology leaders, the appointment underscores the importance of aligning leadership, workforce culture and digital innovation. As the NHS continues to evolve, the success of large, research-intensive trusts such as South London and Maudsley will be closely watched, not only for their clinical outcomes, but for their ability to create environments where staff can thrive and innovation can flourish.
