Lifeways Community Care, a provider of specialist community care services, has appointed Andrea Kinkade as chief executive and Mark Beadle as chair. Justin Tydeman is stepping down as chief executive and Peter Kiernan is stepping down as group chair.

Kinkade is an experienced chief executive in the healthcare sector. Her previous roles include being co-founder and chief executive of Innovate Care Group, chief executive of Active Care Group and managing director of Independence Homes.

Beadle has nearly 20 years’ experience working as a leader in the health and social care sector, and was previously chief executive of Aitch Care Homes, non-executive chairman of Springfield Healthcare, non-executive chairman of Lighthouse group and chief operating officer of the Priory Group.

Kinkade said: “Lifeways has long held the enviable position of being one of the largest and most respected care providers in the sector and it is a privilege to be joining this organisation. In my role as CEO, I am committed to continuing Justin’s approach of working in an open and transparent way to empower all employees to deliver the highest standard of care possible for the people we support. I look forward to working together to build on the excellent work Lifeways is already doing and to capitalise on the significant opportunities present in the sector.”

Beadle said: “I have no doubt Andrea will be a great addition to the team and am excited to be working with her. I strongly believe that care organisations work best when the interests of service users are placed at the centre of all decision making. Lifeways epitomises that approach. Our ambition is to build on Lifeways’ success, but our immediate focus is ensuring we continue to provide high quality care to the thousands of people we support.”