Location: United Kingdom
Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of Mental Health Foundation, today announced his intention to step down from the role in September 2026.
After more than ten years at the Mental Health Foundation, I have decided to step down as Chief Executive later this year. Leading the Foundation has been the most meaningful period of my professional life, and it has been an honour to work alongside such committed colleagues, partners and funders to champion prevention and improve mental health across the UK.
This year the Foundation is launching an ambitious new five year strategy that sets a strong course for the future, tackling the major forces shaping mental health today, from workplaces and discrimination to social media and emerging technologies. With a brilliant Board and team in place, this feels like the right moment for a new leader to write the next chapter.
I will remain in post until September to support a smooth transition, and I look forward to continuing to work together during Mental Health Awareness Week and beyond as the Foundation’s vital work continues.
Mark was appointed Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation in 2018 following two years as the charity’s Director of Fundraising and Communications. Under his leadership, the Mental Health Foundation has delivered a series of major programmes and research initiatives. These include a landmark UK‑wide study tracking the mental health impacts of the Covid‑19 pandemic, followed by a £2 million investment in community‑based projects supporting those found to have been most adversely affected. His tenure has also included a strong focus on the mental health needs of asylum seekers and refugees in the UK, alongside research into the cost of poor mental health to the UK economy and how these costs can be reduced through prevention and early action.
During this time, Mark has also led significant organisational change, including driving forward the charity’s commitment to becoming an anti‑racist organisation and embedding equity into its work and culture. More recently, the charity has moved to a 32‑hour working week, recognising the importance of good working conditions in supporting mental wellbeing. The charity also runs Mental Health Awareness Week which takes place next week. In recent years it has grown to become one of the UK’s most popular public awareness campaigns, reaching millions of people each year and encouraging people and decision makers to take practical action to support good mental health.
It has been fantastic to work together with Mark to build the Foundation’s work and impact over the last decade. The Chair/CEO partnership is so important and we’ve placed a real focus on openness, support and challenge, which has been key to the progress we’ve made in building a healthy culture and raising the profile of mental health as a public and political priority across the UK. We are grateful for Mark’s passion and contribution and wish him all the best for his future.
Recruitment for a new Chief Executive will be announced in due course.
For further information please email press@mentalhealth.org.uk