Mercy Ships UK has appointed Shelley Pigott as its latest executive director, bringing fresh leadership to the international charity renowned for delivering free surgical care to a number of the world’s poorest communities on board its hospital ships.
Pigott steps into the role with many years of experience in global development, having served with organisations including Save the Children and UNICEF.
Her skilled background spans each strategic leadership and frontline operations, with a powerful emphasis on team development, fundraising, and global partnerships.
Her profession is underpinned by a singular mix of experience in executive coaching and youth work.
Speaking about her latest role, Ms Pigott expressed deep admiration for the mission of Mercy Ships: “It’s a privilege to be taking up this role and dealing alongside a powerful team of dedicated staff, volunteers and partners. I’ve been incredibly moved by seeing the work of Mercy Ships and I sit up for bringing my experience to the team.”
A committed Christian, Ms Pigott’s faith continues to shape her vision and leadership style.
She describes her mission as twofold: to assist teams thrive and to be certain that healthcare access becomes more accessible and fair throughout Africa.
She remarked: “I think God has created each of us as individuals – highly valued and unique. So I’m motivated to present people across Africa equitable access to quality healthcare.
“But my mission is to also bring out the most effective in teams, in order that they feel a way of purpose in what they’re doing and may thrive within the work that they do, with the gifts and skills that God has given them, towards this wider purpose.”
Pigott succeeds interim executive director Clive Mitchell, who stepped in following Joanne Balaam’s transition to Mercy Ships International earlier in 2024.
Her appointment marks a latest chapter for the charity, because it continues expanding its reach and investing in local health systems to create lasting change.
Pigott praised the leadership legacy she inherits, while signalling her intent to deepen partnerships across Africa to foster lasting and resilient impact.
She stated: “I really like how Mercy Ships is about long-term sustainability, it’s about constructing and developing partnerships.
“I’ve had the massive privilege to shape development programmes in partnership with Ministers of Health within the Global South. They are driven to see change, and to give you the option to work alongside them in partnership to see development is critical.”
