International Executive Joins NHS in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

A former executive for one of the world’s leading tyre companies has joined Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board as a non-executive board member.

Mike Lawton, who has substantial experience in global business transformation, commercial strategy and customer focussed initiatives for Michelin, joined the ICB on 1st February and will Chair the new Strategic Commissioning and Transformation Committee.

As well as having a proven track record in developing and implementing commercial and organisational strategies across diverse markets and cultures, Mike’s background in social housing and community care aligns well with ICB’s mission and challenges.

For 16 years, Mike served on the boards of five prominent housing associations in the Midlands, working alongside care professionals, local authorities, healthcare providers and regulators.

Despite his global career, Mike has lived and worked in Staffordshire almost all his life, growing up with the family pottery business, developing his managerial skills at Wedgwood and other Stoke-on-Trent based retailers.

He has a deep-rooted commitment to social justice and is driven by a desire to address health inequalities by ensuring universal access to health and care services, leading to better outcomes for the local population.

Mike said: “I am delighted to be joining the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB and inspired by the opportunity to support the NHS locally in addressing health inequalities and delivering essential care to our community.

“I bring with me a broad range of experience, as well as valuable insights that have empowered me to advocate for diversity and inclusion in both executive and non-executive roles and I look forward to supporting the ICB to deliver its outcomes.”

In welcoming Mike to the ICB, Chair David Pearson said: “Mike will be a tremendous asset to the ICB, and his extensive commercial experience will add a critical and independent view to our governance and strategic oversight.

“His track record speaks for itself and his values and ambitions to address inequalities across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and deliver better health outcomes for our communities are closely aligned to our own.”