25 February 2026
Marie has over 35 years of leadership experience from health services and the charitable sector, including NHS executive and non-executive roles with responsibility for performance and governance. Prior to this she was a registered nurse.
She is currently chair of the South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, and prior to this Marie chaired one of the largest joint clinical commissioning groups in the country. She has also held several NHS chief executive roles.
Marie has a wealth of expertise and understanding regarding the importance of joined up care for people and communities across all health and social care sectors, which includes being the independent chair of the Lancashire Place Based Partnership Committee from 2018. Other roles include being a committee chair for NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence). Marie is also the chair of Pennine Multi Academy Trust, where she has worked on a volunteer basis since 2017.
Marie Burnham, the new Chair, said: “I am very much looking forward to starting the next phase of my career with Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, where I will be working in an area I have called home for many years.
“While I will be sad to leave my colleagues at South West Yorkshire Teaching Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, I am excited about the new opportunities ahead. I look forward to working with a fantastic new team to help make a lasting difference to the communities and people of Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys.”
Alison Smith, chief executive at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Marie as chair of our trust. She joins us at a significant time, with changes taking place across the NHS. Her experience and knowledge of health and social care will be a huge benefit to our organisation, our colleagues, our partners and importantly, our communities.
“I would also like to thank Bev Reilly, our interim chair. Over the last few months, she has consistently demonstrated her compassion and dedication to the role, to our colleagues and people in our care.”
The appointment was approved by the trust’s Council of Governors following a competitive recruitment process. Marie will join the trust in the next few weeks.
