He brings more than 15 years of clinical experience as a consultant psychiatrist with roles spanning liaison, old age and general adult psychiatry in urban and rural communities.

Dr Owens has worked in medical leadership roles for 13 years, including for the past 4 years in executive level roles. He is currently the medical director of the NHS Devon Mental Health, Learning Disability and Neurodiversity Provider Collaborative.

Trust chief executive, Debbie Richards, said: ‘Colm has a collaborative, inclusive approach having worked in community, inpatient and at a system level. He will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to our trust for the benefit of colleagues, patients and communities.

‘He has a strong track record of innovations which will be instrumental to support our ambitions for the development of integrated neighbourhood teams, reducing out-of-area placements, and delivering sustainable, values-led care.'

Dr Owens said: ‘I was drawn to the trust's combined mental health and community services model and its commitment to delivering care rooted in local communities. My leadership has always focused on integration, not just between services, but across professional groups, organisations, and with people who use our services.'

He will take over the role in January 2026 from Dr Adrian Flynn, who, after six years in the role, returns to a patient-focused role as a consultant psychiatrist with the trust.