Long-Serving Hospice CEO Nigel Hartley Steps Down After a Decade At Mountbatten

After more than ten years at the helm of Mountbatten Isle of Wight and Mountbatten Hampshire, CEO Nigel Hartley, MBE, has retired, marking the end of a significant era for the hospices.

Hartley, who has worked in end-of-life care for over 40 years, joined Mountbatten Isle of Wight in 2015.

Over his tenure, he helped shape the organisation into one of the leading providers of hospice care in the region, welcoming around 3,000 staff and 4,000 volunteers.

His career includes senior roles at St Christopher’s Group of hospices, London Lighthouse, and Sir Michael Sobell House hospice in Oxford, and he worked closely with Dame Cicely Saunders, a pioneer of modern hospice care.

He was awarded an MBE in 2023 in recognition of his services to end-of-life care.

Colleagues and supporters described Hartley as “bold and edgy” with an open-door leadership style, praising his focus on innovation and expanding community access to care.

In speeches during his farewell week, Hartley encouraged staff and volunteers to continue advocating for accessible, high-quality hospice services despite ongoing financial pressures.

Becky McGregor will succeed Hartley as CEO from 1 October 2025, taking over leadership of both Mountbatten Isle of Wight and Mountbatten Hampshire.