Adam Sampson announced as new AOP Chief Executive

Adam Sampson announced as new AOP Chief Executive

The Board of the Association of Optometrists (AOP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Sampson as Chief Executive. Adam will succeed Henrietta Alderman, who has been in post since 2013, on 14 June 2021.

Adam’s last role was as Chief Executive of St Elizabeth’s Hospice, where he led on its transformation. Prior to this, Adam was Chief Executive of UK charity, Shelter, before moving into a new national role as the inaugural CEO of the Legal Ombudsman, setting up and shaping it until his departure in 2015.

Mike George, AOP Chairman, said: “Adam has a strong background in leading organisations at the vanguard of social change and public policy. Adam spent three months as an interim CEO of the General Optical Council (GOC), so he has gained insight into the complex landscape of optometry and dispensing optics.

“The fact that this role demands an external focus and the ability to navigate across a complex stakeholder landscape in a changing sector really appeals to him, and we believe his experience in this area is ideal for the role of Chief Executive at the AOP.

“I would like to thank Henrietta Alderman for her outstanding contribution to the AOP. We wish her the very best for her retirement.”

Adam Sampson said: “As I know from my time at the GOC, optometrists play a critical role in maintaining the nation’s eye health. The AOP is the leading representative membership organisation for optometrists and I look forward to leading the association in its vitally important mission of helping to shape the future of the optical profession.”