South London and Maudsley appoints new Chief Executive

Paul is currently Chief Executive at North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT), and previously served as Chief Executive at East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT). He brings extensive leadership experience across mental health and community services, with a strong record of guiding organisations through challenge while sustaining a clear focus on safe, high-quality care, continuous improvement and compassionate leadership. 

Across his career, Paul has been recognised for creating the conditions where people can do their best work, strengthening governance and accountability, and building improvement cultures that are practical, data-informed and rooted in the lived experience of service users and carers. He has been consistently focussed on improving outcomes and reducing inequalities in the communities he has worked in. Alongside his executive roles, Paul has contributed significant leadership across the London mental health system, including work to shape priorities on co-occurring mental health and substance use. In his current role, he holds system leadership responsibilities for community health and is a Board member of the integrated care board in North East London. 

Ade Odunlade, substantive Chief Operating Officer, will continue as Interim Chief Executive over the next four months, ensuring continuity and supporting a smooth transition into Paul’s tenure. Ade has been leading the Trust through a significant period of change, maintaining focus on supporting frontline teams and sustaining momentum on the Trust’s priorities for patients, carers, staff and communities. 

Jane Bailey, Chair said:
“Paul is a compassionate and values-led leader with a clear commitment to improving care and outcomes for the communities we serve. He brings close to a decade of Executive level experience in mental health trusts across London. We are delighted to welcome him to our Trust, where I know he will bring real focus and momentum to our next chapter. I also want to thank Ade for his continued leadership as Interim Chief Executive over the coming months, which will help us to continue to drive forward improvements and ensure a seamless transition”. 

Paul Calaminus said:
“I’m honoured to be appointed Chief Executive of the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. This is a Trust with a remarkable reputation for clinical excellence, research and innovation. My focus will be on working with staff, service users, carers, governors, partners and communities to strengthen quality, support a compassionate culture, and continue improving the care we provide.” 

Ade Odunlade, Interim Chief Executive said:
“I’m proud to continue leading the Trust as Interim Chief Executive during this transition. I look forward to supporting Paul’s introduction to our Trust and ensuring we maintain momentum on our priorities for staff, patients and communities. It has been a genuine pleasure to promote progress, and I am excited to support Paul when I resume my role as Chief Operating Officer upon his start.”