The Tower Hamlets GP Care Group CIC Board of Directors is pleased to confirm the appointment of Zainab Arian as their new Acting Chief Executive Officer from 1 April 2023.
Zainab Arian will take over from Tracy Cannell and Chris Banks who will be stepping down as Joint Chief Executives of the Care Group on 31 March 2023.
Dr Simon Brownleader, Chair of GP Care Group, said: “We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Zainab as Acting CEO. With a strong record of achievement since joining the organisation, she brings a wealth of experience and proven ability to succeed. Her unique perspective and unwavering commitment to excellence make her the ideal candidate to lead the Care Group through this transition period."
Chris and Tracy came to Tower Hamlets in late 2015 to create a GP Federation, a membership organisation bringing Tower Hamlets GP practices together to better support the local population and to work alongside other healthcare providers in the Borough. In seven years, the Care Group’s annual revenue has grown from £300,000 to £38,000,000, currently employing an 850 plus workforce that provides a wide range of quality primary and community services.
Chris said: “It has been the greatest privilege and honour to serve the Care Group, and to help shape it as a kind, innovative, professional, inclusive, and great place to work.
“Now we are handing on the baton for the next stage of the Care Group’s journey to Zainab, who joined the Care Group over six years ago as Director of Finance. We are delighted and proud that she has agreed to take the baton from us. Under her leadership we are confident the Care Group will flourish, continuing its mission to improve the health and wellbeing of its employees and the communities it serves and supporting general practice.”
Zainab’s career spans 16 years, during which she has worked in both private and public sector companies. Early in her career she oversaw capital investment programmes developing hotels and aided in mergers and acquisition. When moving across into the NHS, Zainab was involved in several service transformation programmes including the introduction of Referral to Treatment targets for Early Intervention Mental health Teams. Outside of work Zainab volunteers as a trustee for a Muslim Women’s Cycling Charity called Cycle Sisters, who look to empower and enable Muslim women to ride their bikes.
Speaking about her appointment as Acting CEO, Zainab said: “It’s an absolute privilege to take on the leadership of such an innovative and supportive organisation. Having worked as part of the executive team for the past six years I have seen us grow and develop. I am super excited for the Care Group’s future, working in partnership with General practice, System partners and our amazing workforce.”
