Meet the team
We’re powered by people and as a result, can credit our success to a global team who work to improve people’s lives every day. Meet the leaders who design and implement our growth strategy, effectively scaling to support more people access our innovative healthcare, social care and life sciences solutions across the world.
Mike Barnard
Chief Executive Officer
View LinkedInMike was appointed CEO of Acacium Group in September 2019 to lead the Group through its next phase of growth across workforce, life sciences and health and social care managed services. Mike has led high-growth technology and services businesses over the last 15 years, working across a range of sectors, both public and private. Mike is passionate about the opportunity to help underpin our healthcare system, by combining specialist workforce, technology and process to improve the experience for the people we work with, the clients we work for and the patients we look after.
Tom Richards
Chief Finance Officer
View LinkedInTom joined Acacium Group as deputy CFO in March 2017 and has been CFO since September 2017. Tom previously spent six years in Divisional Finance Director roles within Capita and eight years at the BPO business Xchanging. Tom qualified as an accountant at Arthur Andersen and holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Oxford in PPE.
Amanda Hoffman
Chief Operating Officer
View LinkedInAmanda is the COO of US Healthcare Staffing for Acacium Group. She joined Favorite Healthcare Staffing in 2018 and was promoted to Chief Executive Officer in December 2024, having previously served as Vice President of Favorite Managed Services and Chief Sales Officer. Amanda’s leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in building high-calibre teams and fostering innovation. With a master’s degree in healthcare administration and extensive experience in clinical, medical device and pharmaceutical sales, she has significantly contributed to Favorite’s reputation as a trusted healthcare partner.
Paul Strouts
Chief Operating Officer
View LinkedInPaul is the CEO of Acacium Group’s life sciences division incorporating Proclinical, R&D Partners and DRA. Overseeing all operations and sales for life sciences across twelve countries within the division’s portfolio, Paul drives the businesses forward on a strategic level. Having joined Acacium Group three years ago from a leading life sciences business, Paul has now been working in the sector for 21 years affording the opportunity to impact change at a global level.
Sara James
Chief Operating Officer
View LinkedInSara, who started her career as a Registered Nurse, joined the Scottish Nursing Guild (SNG) in 1999 and has run the combined SNG and Thornbury Nursing Service’s (TNS) businesses since 2000. Today, Sara leads Acacium Group’s health and social care staffing businesses across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
An early adopter of technology, including launching the first app allowing nurses and clients to book shifts, Sara utilises deep analytics to drive efficiencies. Sara’s first-hand clinical experience and strategic knowledge ensure our businesses are ideally positioned to support public and private providers, driving efficiencies, safeguarding patients and keeping critical services running.
Chris Ronaldson
Chief Operating Officer
View LinkedInChris is Acacium Group’s Chief Operating Officer for Health and Community Services, leading a division that delivers community-based healthcare and capacity solutions to support the NHS and wider health system. He is responsible for operational performance, service delivery and the development of new and innovative services that improve access to care and support evolving patient needs.
Chris joined Acacium Group in 2023 as Chief Product and Information Officer, where he led the Group’s technology and transformation agenda, including digital development, service delivery and key change programmes supporting front-line operations and the Group’s growth strategy.
Prior to joining Acacium Group, Chris held senior and board-level roles within FTSE and NYSE-listed organisations. He brings extensive experience in operational leadership, technology-enabled transformation and leading complex, large-scale operations.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to and playing music – and coastal living and being by the sea.
Alex Ryan
Group Service Development Director
View LinkedInAlex joined the organisation in May 2021 to support the Group’s growth and ensure that new and existing propositions provide appropriate and effective support to the UK health economy. Beginning her career as a lawyer, Alex moved into healthcare over 10 years ago to work in the mental health space, working closely with both the NHS and independent providers to provide patient-focused care. Alex is passionate about building excellent relationships with customers to enable the co-creation of innovative solutions. Championing a sustainable business approach to people and the planet, Alex is the Executive Sponsor for our Responsible Business function.
Andrew Taylor
Chief Operating Officer
View LinkedInAndrew joined Acacium Group in May 2020 to support the group’s international growth and further diversification into services in the UK and abroad. He was previously Group Acquisitions Director at Capita plc., and before that an investment banker at Quayle Munro and Bear Stearns. He started his career as a theatre producer, working on 70 shows in the West End and across Europe.
Daniel Toner
Group Legal, People and Privacy Officer
View LinkedInSince joining Acacium Group in July 2021, Dan has served as General Counsel and Group Company Secretary, overseeing the Group’s legal affairs worldwide. He also heads up our People and Culture and Data Protection teams. Dan is a qualified UK solicitor with extensive experience working in business and commercial law firms. For the past 18 years, his focus has been exclusively on the healthcare sector, where he has held several senior roles, including Head of Legal for Bupa Hospitals and General Counsel and Company Secretary for Spire Healthcare Group plc. He has also acted as an adviser to private healthcare groups and the UK government, most recently as the General Counsel for NHS Test & Trace during the height of the Covid pandemic.
Darren Goldsby
Chief Product and Information Officer
View LinkedInDarren is Acacium Group’s Chief Product and Information Officer, leading the Group’s technology and transformation activities, including digital development, support and service delivery. He is responsible for driving the implementation of key change initiatives that underpin Acacium Group’s growth agenda and support front-line operations across the organisation.
Darren joined Acacium Group in 2020 and has played a key role in shaping and delivering the Group’s technology and digital strategy. Prior to joining Acacium Group, he spent more than 15 years leading technology and product functions across multiple industries, including traditional and new media.
Throughout his career, Darren has led significant, award-winning digital programmes, transforming businesses and commercial products through the adoption of modern technologies and innovative product strategies. He brings extensive experience in building high-performing teams and delivering scalable digital platforms that enable organisations to grow and adapt in fast-evolving markets.
Karen Matthews-Shard
Group Clinical Director
View LinkedInKaren joined the organisation in March 2010 and has over 40 years nursing experience across the acute and primary NHS, private sector and Armed Forces and in both provider and commissioning organisations. She has 20 years’ experience operating at a strategic board level and leads on clinical governance and risk across the group ensuring high standards of care and the safety and quality of the organisation. Karen has the role of liaison between external regulatory bodies, insurers and legal teams and is the CQC Responsible Individual for the Group.
Natasha Vouckelatou
Group Director of People and Culture
View LinkedInNatasha joined Acacium Group in 2017 and is Group Director of People and Culture. She leads the Group’s global people agenda, including organisational design, culture, governance, reward, employee relations, and the attraction, development and experience of talent.
Natasha has extensive experience across people strategy, resourcing and workforce planning, working closely with executive teams to support organisational change and growth. She focuses on building inclusive high-performing cultures, with an emphasis on employee engagement, wellbeing and responsible business practices, while aligning people strategy with long-term business objectives.