Olivia Whitaker

When your project, team or organisation needs clarity, momentum and structure, I help make it happen.With strong experience across healthcare, life sciences and the not-for-profit sector, I bring focused, independent support that helps leaders move forward with confidence.Whether you're launching a startup, reshaping services, or navigating the complexities of public sector transformation, I provide the calm, strategic partnership that gets things done, without adding to your plate.From supporting biotech CEOs to coordinating NHS executive networks and leading national-scale programmes, I help ambitious organisations turn plans into progress.

how i can help

Acting as your part-time COO or project lead, I embed into your team and help drive delivery across strategy, governance, team coordination and day-to-day execution.

Governance can be a pain point. I work directly with CEOs, Chairs and exec teams to manage board processes and papers, track actions and risks and foster executive communication and collaboration.

I step into complex or stalled projects to get them moving by planning, coordinating and delivering with clarity and pace. From service procurements to strategic reviews, I bring structure and calm to fast-moving, high-impact initiatives.

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© Olivia Whitaker. All rights reserved.

executive partnering for ceos and founders

A trusted right hand for leaders who need to focus on the vision, not the adminI provide support to executive leaders and high net worth individuals, acting as a strategic, discreet partner to streamline daily operations, manage key relationships, and ensure delivery stays aligned with organisational goals.

how i can help

case study: operational support for biotech ceo

Working closely with the CEO of a growing biotech contract research company, I provided high-level operational and strategic support during a period of business expansion. My role covered end-to-end project delivery on a £1.2m research contract, managing the project in partnership with the principal scientist ensuring delivery of project milestones and acting as the primary client liaison point.In parallel, I managed all business governance activities, including board meeting preparation, commercial reporting, and proposal development. I served as a trusted extension of the CEO, enabling focused leadership by taking ownership of daily priorities, streamlining internal workflows, and supporting business development efforts.

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Clear, calm delivery of complex projects and initatives with senior stakeholder buy-inI lead and manage short-term projects that require diplomacy, cross-functional coordination, and strategic insight, especially where internal capacity is limited.

how i can help

case study: strategic and operational leadership for nhs executive network

As the central coordinator for the Cavendish Square Group, a network of ten NHS Mental Health Trusts in London, I worked directly with the CEO Chair to drive strategic delivery across the leadership group. I managed high-level stakeholder relationships, including liaison with local and national government, the Metropolitan Police, and the London Ambulance Service, to support system-wide mental health priorities.My remit included governance oversight, financial management, and executive-level meeting coordination, as well as leading the group’s communications function. This involved launching a new website, managing all social media channels, and acting as the press and stakeholder contact for the network. My work enhanced collaboration, sharpened strategic focus, and significantly improved the group’s external presence and internal cohesion.

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TESTIMONIALS

"Olivia is the very definition of an ‘executor-in-chief’, she embodies all the qualities of someone who simply gets things done. Over the past four years, I’ve worked with Olivia in multiple capacities: first as a project leader, then as Chief of Staff, and most recently in her role as Company Secretary. In every role, she has delivered exceptional results with calm, clarity, and confidence. Working with Olivia has been transformative for the business, her ability to anticipate needs, drive priorities, and build effective processes made her an invaluable extension of the leadership team.Olivia is thoughtful, solutions-focused, and a steady hand in a fast-moving environment. I have no hesitation in recommending her to any leader or organisation looking for outstanding operational and strategic support."Mukesh Moorjani
CEO Platinum Discovery

"Olivia is a hard-working professional and is a pleasure to work with. She has excellent interpersonal skills and her ability to build strong relationships with a range of stakeholders comes naturally to her. Olivia is intuitive, resilient and fun to be around – all key characteristics for a high-performing operator in politically complex projects or organisations. During her time in the commercial team at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, she quickly acquired a technically commercial skillset and utilised these skills effectively in principal strategic projects including a Trust-wide pathology service procurement, several successful high-value tenders and a business case to launch a new venture. I would have no hesitation in hiring Olivia or working alongside her again."Adam Pryce
Commercial Director, Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust

“Olivia is extremely talented – organised, diligent and resourceful. The CSG has gone from strength to strength during her tenure.”Iain Dimond
Chief Operating Officer, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust

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