Kingsley Healthcare has strengthened its operations team with the appointment of two regional operations directors.

James Sales, who takes responsibility for 19 care homes in the eastern region, joined Kingsley 10 years ago as operations manager and has worked in the care sector for 30 years after training as a psychiatric nurse.

Ian Smallwood, who takes charge of five homes in the North West, including Kingsley’s flagship £6 million nursing home, Four Oaks, in Partington, Greater Manchester, joined the company earlier this year.

After starting his nursing career in 1979 – he has trained as both a registered general nurse and registered mental nurse – Smallwood has held a variety of senior roles in the care industry, including one as a regional manager for Four Seasons Health Care.

Kingsley chief executive Daya Thayan said: “We are delighted to announce these appointments which will further strengthen our senior management team and prepare Kingsley for exciting expansion plans in the months ahead.”