A new chief executive has been appointed at a hospice group.

Becky McGregor, the former director of operations, will take over from Nigel Hartley, who is retiring in September after a decade as CEO.

Ms McGregor has worked at Mountbatten for more than 20 years, starting her career as a physiotherapist.

She has taken on key roles, delivered improvements to Isle of Wight services, and led Mountbatten Hampshire’s transition from NHS-run to an independent charitable hospice.

Ms McGregor said: "I look forward to leading the Mountbatten Group on the next phase of its journey – it is a real honour and privilege.

"We will continue to develop ambitious plans, despite these challenging financial times and as more people need our services.

"For me, and for Mountbatten’s staff, volunteers and trustees, our focus on people and quality are key to our success.

"I am excited to further develop our links with the communities we are here to serve and support across the Isle of Wight, Southampton and large parts of Hampshire — those communities which provide us with such generous and vital support.

"I look forward to working with Mountbatten’s trustees and with Nigel, until he retires from the organisation at the end of September this year, to ensure our transition is a smooth one."

Nigel Hartley, MBE, said: "Becky was appointed deputy CEO last year.

"Becoming CEO is a natural step for her, and she brings a wealth of passion, expertise and warmth to the role.

"Becky knows our organisation and communities, inside and out, and is a terrific fit for this leadership position — one that is so crucial to Mountbatten’s impact across the areas we serve.

"I am confident Becky will make an excellent and inspiring leader, across Mountbatten Hampshire and Mountbatten Isle of Wight."

As the former mayor of Cowes, Ms McGregor is already a well-known face on the Island.

During the Covid pandemic, she played a crucial role in ensuring Mountbatten Hampshire’s vital services continued to reach those who needed them, in extremely challenging conditions.

Chair of trustees, Ian Cheshire, said: "After a demanding external process, we have appointed someone who, as deputy CEO, has a deep understanding of Mountbatten.

"Trustees were unanimous in approving her and are convinced Becky will provide Mountbatten with the right leadership, for the next phase of our growth.

"We wholly welcome her appointment and look forward to continuing to work alongside her."