Andrew Hay will take over as chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation in January 2027. The charity is preparing for a major handover. Hay has worked in big supermarket operations and already served on the Foundation's Board of Trustees. He is expected to focus on building up the organisation and sharpening its strategy.
According to recent sector analysis, oral health charities are increasingly seeking leaders with commercial backgrounds to help navigate complex funding and operational challenges.
Geldart stepped in after Nigel Carter, who led the Foundation for nearly thirty years. Carter's influence still shapes the charity. Geldart described Carter as a leader who "led with kindness, integrity and humility." She said he cared about helping others and celebrating their successes. Geldart stressed that the Foundation will keep Carter's legacy alive by pushing forward with the work he started.
Hay joins at a time when the Foundation is looking to strengthen its mission and respond to new challenges in oral health advocacy. He brings experience from Co-op and Sainsbury's, where he worked in people and operations. The Foundation expects Hay to bring new ideas to its strategy and daily management. Other charities are also turning to leaders with commercial backgrounds. This trend is visible in recent efforts to expand academic and research leadership in oral health.
Independent research indicates that the oral health sector is facing increasing pressure to adapt to changing public health needs, with many organisations focusing on innovative approaches to advocacy and education.
Hay's mix of retail experience and knowledge of the Foundation's mission puts the charity in a strong position. Geldart will stay on, so the Foundation keeps its institutional memory. This approach shows the charity understands how to keep moving forward in the non-profit world. The Foundation is set for a period of renewed focus. Change is coming. The team is ready.
