Managing director of Barchester’s South division, Natasha Lazovic, has been promoted to the executive board as chief operating officer.  Lazovic had just celebrated her 11^th anniversary with Barchester Healthcare when her promotion was announced.

She takes over the post from Dr Pete Calveley, who was previously both chief executive and chief operating officer.

A trained nurse, Lazovic first came to the UK from Serbia in 1994.

She joined Barchester in May 2014 as regional director, leading 10 homes, which then doubled to 20 as senior regional director.

As managing director of the South, she was in charge of the 87 care homes that form Barchester’s largest division.

Her promotion has led to a restructure of the South division, which will now be split to form two smaller divisions led by Duncan Edwards who becomes managing director of the South West; and Michelle Macadangdang, who is promoted to managing director of the South East.

Commenting on her new role, Lazovic said: “I have loved working with each and every one of my homes, but I move onto my new position happy in the knowledge that Michelle and Duncan with be excellent for their respective divisions.

“I am eager to see what my new role brings and I look forward to getting to know all of the teams, patients, and residents in my new homes and hospitals across the country.”

Dr Calveley added: “Natasha’s energy, her passion, and determination never cease to amaze me. She is an absolute powerhouse and I know she will be brilliant in her new role.

“I am excited to see what improvements and innovations she will bring and I am certain the whole business will benefit from her years of operational experience and laser focus.”