Dignity plc, the UK provider of funeral and end of life services, has appointed Kate Davidson as its new chief executive officer (CEO), effective 10 June 2022.
It also confirmed that Gary Channon’s final day as CEO will be 9 June. Davidson re-joined Dignity in June 2021 as chief operating officer (COO), and was appointed to the board in January 2022.
She is part of the company’s executive committee, and has primarily been focused on organisational change, regulation, operational efficiencies, and delivery of Dignity’s future development projects.
With over 15 years’ experience in the funeral and crematoria industry, Davidson began her career in the crematoria sector within local government, later joining Dignity in management and strategic roles spanning eight years.
Prior to rejoining Dignity, Davidson joined the Westerleigh Group as commercial and operations director. She is also on the board for the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities.
Meanwhile, Channon will continue to support the board as an advisor on strategic matters, such as the group’s capital structure.
John Castagno, Dignity chairman, said: “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.
“I would like to thank Gary Channon for his tenure as CEO. Since joining the business myself in July 2021, I have witnessed Gary’s long-term strategic vision for Dignity begin to come to life. It is clear he has made a positive impact on both colleagues and our commercial ambitions, and we welcome his continued support.”
Davidson added: “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 a high quality service, I am passionate about shaping a new organisational culture.”
