The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has appointed Howard Catton as its new chief executive.
Mr Catton, who moved from the RCN to become ICN director of nursing policy and programmes in 2016, takes up the role with immediate effect. He has been a registered nurse since 1988 and has held a range of nursing posts in the UK and United States.
‘Globally we have entered a period of huge opportunity for nurses and the nursing profession as world leaders recognize that nurses are critical to addressing the health challenges we face,’ said Mr Catton. ‘Whether it be improving access to healthcare, addressing NCDs, managing health emergencies or improving public health, it is nurses who in their daily practice will make a real difference to peoples’ live. It is an absolute honour for me to take on this leadership for ICN at such a significant time.’
Mr Catton takes over from Thomas Kearns, who led the ICN on an interim basis since October 2017.
‘I am delighted that Howard has accepted this position. For the past three years he has served as ICN’s Director, Nursing Policy and Programmes, working closely with WHO on several panels and working groups; leading our delegations to the WHO Executive Board and World Health Assembly; managing our Workforce Forums; and developing key policy and position statements on safe staffing levels, retention, migrant health, etc,’ said ICN president Annette Kennedy. ‘I knew Howard before his role at ICN, when he worked at the Royal College of Nursing, UK and at the European Federation of Nurses. His international experience, his close ties with so many of our key partners, and his deep understanding of the work of ICN, gives the Board and me great confidence in his leadership.’