HC-One appoints nursery boss as its new chief executive

One of the UK’s largest care home providers, HC-One, has appointed Bright Horizons boss as its new chief executive.

James Tugendhat is leaving his post as international managing director of the childcare group, Bright Horizons, to take over the reins at HC-One, which runs 328 care homes in the UK.

Prior to working at Bright Horizons, Mr Tugendhat was chief executive at Towergate Direct and has also held a number of management roles at Bupa.

Justin Hutchens stepped down as chief executive earlier this year after three years in the role. He had decided to return to the US to be closer to his family.

Mr Tugendhat, who will join HC-One in September, said: “Throughout my discussions with the Board and my future colleagues, I have been deeply impressed by the commitment of the company to its mission to be the first choice for families, and to thrive by being the employer of choice, sustaining quality with kind care.

“I have no doubt that HC-One’s culture and values have provided a strong foundation through this difficult time and will support it to build going forward.”

With Mr Tugendhat joining the company, Sir David Behan, who has been executive chairman of the company since January, will be handing over executive responsibilities and reverting to his previous role of chairman of the HC-One Board.

Sir David Behan said: “I am delighted to announce James’ appointment as chief executive officer of HC-One after a highly competitive recruitment process.

“James has impressive experience across consumer services, healthcare and early years, and has proved himself as a successful CEO with a track record of achievement.

“I am very much looking forward to working with him over the years to come, and I have no doubt that James will build on the successes of The Kind Care Company to date and take HC-One from strength to strength.”

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