Zara has worked at the Trust, which operates Bassetlaw Hospital, Doncaster Royal Infirmary, and Montagu Hospital, for the past three years, most recently serving as Acting Chief Executive.
During this time, she has played a key role in leading the organisation through an important period, including overseeing the development of its medium-term plan and wider improvement programme, alongside a renewed focus on organisational culture and leadership.
Zara recently completed the NHS Aspiring Chief Executive Programme and has taken the decision to pursue a substantive Chief Executive role as the next step in her career.
Zara said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Deputy Chief Executive, and more recently, Acting Chief Executive at DBTH and to work alongside such committed and dedicated colleagues.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the past three years, particularly the progress we have made in strengthening our culture and setting a clear direction for the future.
“While I will be sad to leave DBTH, I am excited to be taking on my first substantive Chief Executive role at East Cheshire NHS Trust and to continue my career within the NHS in this next phase of leadership.”
Zara has served as Acting Chief Executive since December 2025, following a period of absence by Richard Parker OBE, who has since announced his retirement from the organisation. She will leave the organisation at the end of September 2026.
The Trust has also confirmed that its Chief People Officer, Zoe Lintin, will be leaving later this year after four years at DBTH.
Zoe, who has more than 20 years’ experience in senior NHS HR roles, including 10 years at director level, will remain in post until December before moving on to the next stage of her career.
Mark Bailey, Chair of the Board at DBTH, said: “Zara has provided strong and thoughtful leadership as Acting Chief Executive, and the Board is very grateful for the contribution she has made at an important period for the Trust.
“She has led the organisation through a significant phase, and this appointment is well deserved and represents a positive next step in her career.
“While we will be sorry to see Zara leave and we wish her every success in her new role at East Cheshire NHS Trust.
“We are also very grateful to Zoe Lintin for the leadership she has provided over the past four years and for her significant contribution to the Trust’s people agenda.”
