Russell Blake
Managing Director
Russell began his career after graduating from the University of Gloucestershire, gaining early management experience with Gardner Merchant Leisure before joining Compass in 1999. He went on to lead a major site for Computer Associates and later became European Catering Manager, before moving into facilities management to support clients including The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, Eurest, 14forty at National Grid and National Accounts.
Russell later became Business Director for Healthcare and was appointed Managing Director of Hospitals and Senior Living in 2019, now leading several teams and more than 7,000 colleagues across services that play a vital role in patient care. He is especially proud of the way his teams support recovery and wellbeing, particularly during the challenges of COVID-19. Outside of work, Russell is motivated by the difference great service can make in healthcare settings and values the passion, dedication and resilience of the people he works alongside every day.
Neil Mitchell
Business Director
Neil has more than 27 years of senior leadership experience in the FM industry, working across both public and private sectors. His career has been shaped by a broad operational background and a strong commitment to service improvement, innovation and high-performing teams. He is passionate about inspiring colleagues to succeed and fostering collaborative partnerships that deliver the best outcomes for clients and the communities they serve.
Neil works closely with clients and internal teams to drive continuous improvement, strengthen performance and build environments where colleagues feel supported and motivated to achieve their potential. Neil values the role that strong relationships and clear communication play in delivering outstanding FM services, and takes pride in helping teams deliver solutions that make a meaningful difference in healthcare settings. Outside of work, Neil enjoys spending time with his family and holidaying anywhere sunny with a great beach. He is a dedicated football supporter and a proud Derby County fan.
Jamie Powell
Head of Finance
Jamie is the Head of Finance at Medirest Signature, with over ten years of experience, and has been ACCA qualified since 2018. Jamie's expertise lies in business partnering and collaborating closely with operators and clients throughout the organisation. Known for building strong relationships and delivering strategic financial guidance, Jamie consistently adds value to every team and project. Jamie is recognised for a proactive approach and a passion for driving business success.
Stuart Mold
Commercial Director
Stuart is an experienced facilities professional with a strong background in PFI and commercial management. Before joining the Healthcare Senior Team at Medirest, he held a range of commercial and operational roles that developed his expertise in contract performance, risk management and client partnership across complex service environments.
As Commercial Director, Stuart leads Medirest’s approach to commercial and contract compliance, ensuring services meet regulatory expectations and the needs of the hospitals and communities we support. He works closely with Operations Teams to interpret contractual requirements, strengthen performance frameworks and identify emerging risks that may shape commercial decisions.
Stuart also partners with Sales and Legal Teams on new opportunities, ensuring services are structured for long-term success. Motivated by the impact effective commercial leadership can have on patient-focused services, Stuart is proud to support colleagues in delivering safe, efficient and high-quality outcomes.
Lauren Davidge-Stringer
Marketing Director
Lauren is an experienced marketing leader with over ten years at Compass UK Healthcare, where she has helped shape the division’s marketing strategy and developed a passion for creating purposeful campaigns that enhance the patient journey. Before joining Healthcare, she built her marketing foundations across education, catering and employee benefits, gaining a broad understanding of service-led industries and the value of connecting people with meaningful experiences.
Lauren is committed to building authentic, insight-led brand narratives that inspire teams, strengthen relationships and deliver measurable impact across the organisation. Outside of work, she swaps marketing plans for muddy football boots as a proud mum in a football-loving household, and when she is not playing referee, she enjoys shopping, good coffee and discovering new foodie spots.
James Bunt
Business Development Director Healthcare
James joined Compass in November 2024, bringing experience from the NHS, genomics, sport and IT sectors. His career has centred on roles that strengthened his strategic thinking, relationship building and collaborative problem-solving skills, alongside a passion for supporting teams to grow and succeed.
Coaching and mentoring are central to James’s leadership style, and he is motivated by helping others build confidence and capability. He values collaborative working environments where people feel supported and able to make a positive impact. Outside of work, James plays, coaches and referees touch rugby, and enjoys spending time with his family exploring the outdoors in Cornwall (his favourite place in the UK).