Barchester Healthcare has promoted the managing director of its South division, Natasha Lazovic, to the executive board as chief operating officer.

Chief executive Dr Pete Calveley was previously both chief executive and chief operating officer.

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

Lazovic’s 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 Southwest division and Michelle Macadangdang who is promoted to managing director of the Southeast division.

Lazovic said: “It has been my absolute privilege to be managing director of the South division, 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 new managing directors for their respective divisions. I am eager to see what my new role brings, I look forward to getting to know all of the teams, patients and residents in my new homes and hospitals across the country.”

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. I am certain the whole business will benefit from her years of operational experience and laser focus. I can think of no one better to be our new COO.”