Samantha Peters has been appointed as the new chief executive of the General Optical Council (GOC). She will commence her new role on March 28 2011, replacing the interim chief executive and registrar Satjit Singh.
According to the GOC, Peters is an experienced chief executive who has worked in the health sector for 11 years leading the British Society of Rheumatology and British Health Professionals in Rheumatology. Through these roles and as chief executive of the British Youth Council Peters had worked closely with an extended network of professionals and wider stakeholders, and had 'built robust policy, advisory and communications functions'.
Outlining her initial intentions in the role, Peters said: 'I am delighted to be joining the GOC and look forward to helping it deliver its invaluable role in promoting high standards of optical care. I welcome the chance to work with the GOC's Council, staff and registrants to build on its strong reputation for protecting the public, and delivering excellent service.'
GOC chair Anna Bradley said: 'I am really looking forward to Samantha's arrival. We have a challenging organisational agenda and live in interesting times in the health sector. Samantha will give us the clear and personable leadership we need to take the GOC forward.'
Peters was awarded an MBA from London's Cass Business School and has held a number of public interest posts focusing on delivering services and support for patients and the wider general public. She has been a trustee of Arthritis Care and of the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance.