CHAS Appoints New Chief Executive

Today we've announced the appointment of Rami Okasha as our next Chief Executive, following Maria McGill's decision to retire this year.

Edinburgh-based Rami, 40, will take up the post on 31 January 2020 and was appointed by the Board after a rigorous executive search, attracting first-rate candidates from across the UK.

Currently the Director of Transformation and Innovation at CHAS, Rami has worked over the past year to develop new models of care, helping reach even more families in Scotland. In light of his appointment, Rami has highlighted his dedication to continuing close partnership work; consolidating excellence across the organisation; continuing to develop the CHAS team; and most importantly, ensuring care remains outstanding for children and families.

CHAS is currently developing ways to reach more of the 16,000 children and young people in Scotland who have a life-shortening condition, and recognises the strong need for even greater partnership working across health, local authorities, and with other charities.

Rami, said: "CHAS is a truly magical organisation that supports children and families going through the hardest of times. It is an extraordinary honour, both personally and professionally, to be asked to lead the team and to succeed Maria McGill.

"Three children a week die from a life-shortening condition in Scotland, and CHAS wants to be there for all of them. Our mission is to keep the joy alive for even more families across Scotland. We will do that by working in close partnership with the Scottish Government, local government, the NHS and the Scottish public - something I am wholeheartedly committed to."

George Reid, Chair of CHAS, said: "Rami was appointed by the Board after an extensive search attracting high-calibre candidates from across the UK. I am personally delighted by this appointment and know that Rami will continue to ensure that CHAS works effectively with all of its partners across Scotland. Maria and Rami will be working closely on transition during the months ahead."

Rami is appointed as a member of the Scotland Committee for the Equality and Human Rights Commission and a trustee of Luminate, Scotland's creative ageing arts charity.