Andrew Pickup - Managing Director
Andrew has responsibility for the overall strategic direction of Optalis and is leading an ambitious growth plan for the business. His effort is focused around Optalis' development as an innovative and flexible provider of high quality care and support where the importance of the customer experience is prioritised.
A background in private equity investing, Andrew has significant experience growing and commercialising businesses generally. His experience in health and social care includes senior management roles at Carewatch, a leading national domiciliary care provider and previously, Bupa Home Healthcare. His early career was spent as a mergers and acquisitions specialist in both London and Toronto.
Outside of work, Andrew enjoys distance running and spending time with his wife and three children
Contact Andrew:
Tel: (0118) 974 6124 Email: andrew.pickup@optalis.org
Mette Le Jakobsen - Operations Director
Mette has overall responsibility for service delivery, which includes operational quality and compliance. Leading a team of managers, her key priority is the pursuit of high quality customer responsive services and support, built around a Quality Assurance Framework through which Optalis will continue to review, learn and improve.
With a background in adult social care and a qualified social worker, Mette has previously held a number of senior positions within local authority and NHS organisations, including commissioning, provision, and service development, alongside work for the Department of Health, specialising in Self-Directed Support.
Outside of work, Mette has a keen interest in music and interior design.
Contact Mette:
Tel: (0118) 974 6294 Email: mette.jakobsen@optalis.org
Athena Davies – Human Resources Director
Athena has the overall responsibility for the HR function through the organisation which includes recruitment, mentoring, policy compliance and development. Her role is to help maximise the effectiveness of the organisation by aligning people management with Optalis business culture. Her remit includes ensuring the HR service is efficient, effective and delivers the highest level of customer satisfaction. She provides coaching and mentoring support, which includes specialist HR advice, and is based on best practice. Optalis is very much a people-based organisation and HR supports and enables the business to be successful going forward.
Athena’s early career began in the Civil Service Commission as a Personnel Officer and progressed to HR generalist at management level within various companies in the manufacturing, retail and IT sectors before joining Optalis.
Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, renovating her home and spending time with her husband and two sons.
Contact Athena:
Tel: (0118) 974 6847 Email: athena.davies@optalis.org
Paul Bidwell - Business Development Director
Paul is responsible for all aspects of Business Development and Marketing within Optalis. The challenging growth targets means that a sustainable pipeline of new business is essential. Implementation of a rigorous sales, qualification and bid process will be the initial focus with high expectations that new customers can very quickly be attracted to Optalis services.
A background in Outsourcing and Managed Services Paul has over fifteen years experience in selling and delivering IT and BPO services within the Public Sector. His experience in Local & Central Government was established while working for market leaders Serco, Capita and Steria in a variety of senior management roles. Initially Paul trained as a software developer working in the USA and Europe before moving into Project Management.
Outside of work, Paul is a Motor Racing fan and a passionate West Ham football fan. However he likes to relax at the theatre or by taking in a good film.
Contact Paul:
Tel: (0118) 974 6846 Email: paul.bidwell@optalis.org
Paul Steadman - Finance Director
Paul is responsible for financial
control within Optalis and for providing commercial support to the Optalis
team. In particular Paul provides
industry specific experience and knowledge to help Optalis grow and develop
both existing and new services, as well as finding innovative ways of working
to generate efficiencies.
Paul worked
for KPMG for 11 years where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant.
He has since
worked in a commercial environment for the last 15 years, specifically in
social and health care for the last 9 years. Prior to joining Optalis, Paul was
Finance Director of Carewatch Care Services, one of the UK's leading providers
of home care services.
Outside of
work, Paul enjoys watching sports, and spending time with his wife and three
children.
Contact
Paul:
Tel:
(0118) 974 6835
Email: paul.steadman@optalis.org
