Holmes Care Group has named Alex Wilson as its new managing director following former incumbent Sharifa Lakhani’s promotion to chief executive officer.
Wilson (pictured) brings with him a wealth of experience in social care, having previously served as an executive director for the trade organisation Scottish Care, managing director at Four Seasons and divisional director at Barchester Healthcare – the latter for 13 years.
The appointment comes as Holmes Care Group seeks to make new acquisitions in Scotland, with the goal of increasing its portfolio by 50 per cent over the next two years.
Wilson will lead on the continued growth of the business, while also overseeing its recovery from the pandemic, with a focus on recruitment, investing in new technologies and ensuring the delivery of the highest quality care.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Holmes Care family at what is set to be a particularly exciting time for the organisation,” he said.
“I’m very much looking forward to working alongside Sharifa, and becoming integrated with Holmes Care’s local teams and supporting them to recover from the effects of the pandemic, with a focus on recruitment and ensuring the highest quality care at all times.”
In her new role as chief executive, Lakhani will continue overseeing the strategic planning for the whole group, which is based in Upminster, Essex.
Lakhani’s parents, Shiraz and Indu, founded Holmes Care when they opened their first home in 1982.
Lakhani joined Holmes Care in 2014 and at the age of 34 has steered Holmes Care to a portfolio of ten homes in Scotland and one in England, employing over 1200 colleagues and supporting over 650 residents.
“My primary goal will be ensuring we deliver gold standard care to them, so they can continue to enjoy their lives in a caring and safe environment,” she said.
“As one of the few woman chief executives, and also a person of colour, I will also be ensuring that our homes reflect the diversity of the communities we support, and that every colleague is given the opportunities to progress as far in their care career as they choose.”
