NAOMI House hospice has today announced the appointment of a new boss to take over from Chris Robinson. 
Mr Robinson is leaving for a permanent role with Chelsea Football Club.
His tenure as chief executive began in July 2012, and since then he has overseen the near-completion of a £4 million refurbishment of the hospice at Sutton Scotney. 
The role of chief executive goes to Naomi House & Jacksplace’s current chief operating officer, Mark Smith.
The board of trustees undertook a rigorous recruitment process which Mr Smith won against a field of strong candidates.
He has worked in charity fundraising since 2001 following a career in financial services and IT working for organisations including Lloyd’s Abbeylife and BUPA. 
Mr Smith has worked at Naomi House since January 2010, with promotions to deputy CEO in November 2012 and CEO in October 2014. 
He lives in Swindon, Wiltshire, with his wife Liz and two children. He will formally take up the role from July 1.
Mr Smith said: “I am incredibly honoured and proud to be appointed as chief executive of this wonderful charity and look forward to working with our committed team of trustees, staff and volunteers to further develop our services into the future.
"We are entering an exciting new phase in development of Naomi House & Jacksplace and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supports us and enables the care we provide in the hospices and in the community across the south of England.”
The brand new Naomi House children’s hospice is due to open in September. The fully refurbished hospice will provide the very best facility in which to care for life-limited and life-threatened children from across Hampshire.
Mr Robinson said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed leading Naomi House & Jacksplace through a period of real change and am proud that in the coming months we reopen Naomi House hospice and local families will instantly be able to benefit from all that the newly transformed hospice offers.
"I am especially happy to be handing over to Mark, who is absolutely the right person to lead the charity and ensure we reach even more families who need our help from across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Dorset, Surrey, Sussex and the Isle of Wight.”