Specialist and complex care provider Cornerstone Healthcare Group has appointed Paul Hayes as chief executive.

Hayes has more than three decades experience in the healthcare industry, beginning as a care assistant in a care home for people with dementia aged 16 and has worked across both the public and independent sector.

He has worked senior leadership positions for some of the largest providers in the UK including Voyage, Barchester, Swanton Care, Four Seasons and CareTech working both in operational and commercial roles. Most recently he was chief executive of a community complex care provider. Hayes has been a non-executive director of Care England and vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Working Group for Adult Social Care.

Hayes said: “I look forward to supporting the organisation as it moves into the next part of its journey whilst continuing to focus on delivering the very best care and support for our residents, families and commissioners who we are proud to serve.”

Forbes Stuart, partner at Ignite Growth, the private equity house behind Cornerstone, said: “[Hayes’s] energy, enthusiasm and experience will resonate with our colleagues across the business and our commissioning partners. We have no doubt that Cornerstone will thrive under Paul’s management.”

Cornerstone Healthcare Group is opening two new services this year: the 74-bed Cale View in Wincanton, Somerset this spring followed by The Burren, an 80-bed development in Bristol later in the year.