Dignity announces Kate Davidson as CEO

– UK, Sutton Coldfield –  Dignity plc (LON: DTY), the UK’s only listed provider of funeral and end of life services, today announced the appointment of Kate Davidson as CEO, effective from 10th June 2022, succeeding Gary Channon who will step down as CEO and director following AGM.

“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Kate Davidson as Dignity’s new CEO. Kate is highly respected in the sector and is committed to raising standards of quality, care and client service across the profession. Kate has been instrumental in delivering a number of high priority strategic and commercial programmes over the past 12 months. Her integrity, candour and willingness to challenge has been vital in delivering Dignity’s strategy whilst her leadership style has been central to changing the organisation’s culture. In addition, Kate’s first hand funeral and crematoria operational experience offers an authentic and credible approach to leading what is a complex, caring and emotive business,” said Board Chairman, John Castagno.

He added: “The Board and I look forward to working with Kate and the wider Executive team to ensure Dignity progresses towards its vision to be a market-leading provider of end-of-life services and a rewarding employer to those that work here.”

About Kate Davidson

After several years with the business in her early career, Kate Davidson re-joined Dignity in June 2021 as COO and was appointed to the Board in January 2022. She is part of the Executive Committee and has primarily been focused on organizational change, regulation, operational efficiencies, and delivery of Dignity’s future development projects.

With over 15 years of experience in the funeral and crematoria industry, Kate Davidson began her career in the crematoria sector within Local Government, later joining Dignity in management and strategic roles spanning eight years. In 2019, Kate Davidson joined crematoria and cemetery operator Westerleigh Group as Commercial and Operations Director, but her passion for Dignity and its people drew her back to the business last year.

Kate Davidson holds an Executive MBA from Warwick Business School and is on the Board of the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities.

Kate Davidson, CEO Designate, said: “It is my honor and privilege to have been appointed by the Board to lead Dignity at such a critical time in its history. I am excited to bring a fresh perspective as we continue to deliver our new strategy during a period of structural, regulatory, and societal change. Whilst my long-term aim is to build a strong and enduring business that delivers high-quality service, I am passionate about shaping a new organizational culture within what is a fairly traditional industry. After all, it is our people that make us great. By creating an environment where our colleagues can grow, are supported to be their best, and learn from each other, Dignity will be well placed to fulfill its potential to be a unique and leading provider of end-of-life services. We are in a strong position to deliver positive outcomes for all stakeholders – our customers, our employees, and our investors.”

For more information: https://www.dignityplc.co.uk/

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