Emma Rawlings Appointed SightCare CEO
The SightCare Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Emma Rawlings as its new Chief Executive Officer, who, after a short handover period, will replace John French who has confirmed his intention to retire at the end of October.
As a dynamic leader with a proven track record of driving impact across diverse sectors, including business, charitable organisations, hospitality and education, Emma will join the team at our offices in Basingstoke from September.
Emma comes to SightCare from the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, where as CEO she played a pivotal role in empowering businesses across the region, fostering growth, championing local enterprise and ensuring that the Chamber remained a vital resource for businesses.
SightCare Chairman, Martin White, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Emma as our new CEO. Emma’s career is a testament to her dedication, resilience and unwavering support for those she serves, qualities that make her a fantastic fit for SightCare as she leads us through our next phase of our development.”
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank John for his years of dedication and service to SightCare. John’s leadership and passion have inspired countless independent optical practices across the UK, helping them grow, innovate, and thrive and his legacy will continue to shine in the optical community. On behalf of the Board, I wish him very well on his retirement and in all his future endeavours.”
Emma said:
“I’m extremely excited to be joining SightCare where I will be putting our members at the very centre of my decision making as we navigate challenges and seize new opportunities together”.
Biography
Emma Rawlings is a dynamic leader with a proven track record of driving impact across diverse sectors who has consistently demonstrated her passion for supporting communities, businesses, and individuals in need.
As the former CEO of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, she played a pivotal role in empowering businesses across the region, fostering growth and championing local enterprise and ensuring that the Chamber remained a vital resource for businesses.
In her role as CEO of Swindon Women’s Aid, Emma led one of the largest women’s refuges in the UK, guiding the organisation through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, the refuge provided critical support to victims of domestic abuse, offering them a safe haven and the tools to rebuild their lives during a time of great uncertainty.
Emma also served as CEO of a spiritual retreat nestled in the serene grounds of a Grade I listed estate outside of Bath. Her stewardship of the retreat provided a sanctuary for individuals seeking peace, reflection, and personal growth in a historically rich and tranquil setting.
She has been a key individual within the Further Education sector to thousands of students, as Head of Admissions, Careers and Advice, where she engaged with students to help them select their educational pathways for their future careers from the local schools. She also implemented Functional Skills across the college, as a new set of qualifications for maths, English and ICT. Also, overseeing the UCAS applications and all students’ destinations onto the next stages of their lives.
Before her executive roles, Emma amassed extensive experience in the retail sector, starting as a Store Manager with Safeway Stores Ltd. She later advanced to overseeing regional store openings, demonstrating her keen business acumen and leadership abilities. Her early career also includes valuable experience in the optical industry, where she worked as a receptionist at Melson Wingate Opticians in Midsomer Norton for several years, laying the foundation for her customer-centric approach.
Emma Rawlings is a visionary leader whose diverse experiences reflect her commitment to making a meaningful difference. Whether supporting businesses, leading charitable organisations, helping students, or managing retail operations.
Media enquiries to:
Susie Connolly, Communications & Marketing Manager
01256 781 522 | susieconnolly@sightcare.co.uk
