The Bermuda Diabetes Association has appointed a chartered professional accountant with 30 years’ experience in public policy, infrastructure finance and consultancy as its executive director.

Lori Rockhead, who began her new role on November 1, previously led the Government, Infrastructure and Healthcare practice for KPMG Islands Group as part of its advisory, audit and tax services. The group includes Bermuda, the Bahamas, Cayman, British Virgin Isles, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey.

Debbie Jones, the association’s founder, said: "As the Bermuda Diabetes Association rises to the challenge of the needs of the diabetes population in Bermuda, there is no one better suited for the task than Lori.

“Lori understands the need to address the disparity in access to quality affordable healthcare in the Bermuda community. She is passionate about good health and wellness, and understands the importance of diabetes education.

"The Bermuda Diabetes Association is thrilled to have someone with Lori’s proven leadership skills, business and financial acumen, and passion to take us forward in delivering its mission and vision."

Ms Rockhead said: “I am delighted to be working with the dedicated team at the Bermuda Diabetes Association. It’s mission is more important than ever with a growing number of people being diagnosed with diabetes in Bermuda and globally.

“I am looking forward to working closely with other non-profits, health professionals and the Government to expand prevention, early detection and diabetes care management.”

With a track record of leading complex and transformative projects to completion, Ms Rockhead also has experience in the non-profit sector.

She has held various roles including volunteer, board member and adviser across numerous non-profits. These include Catalyst, Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation, Bermuda International Film Festival, Women’s Resource Centre, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton, and the Cummings V. Zuill Scholarship.

Ms Rockhead earned an MBA jointly from the University of Toronto, Canada, and the University of St Gallen, Switzerland, and is also a Certified Management Consultant.

According to the Ministry of Health’s Health in Review 2017 report, 13 per cent of Bermuda’s population has diabetes, which was recorded as the second-highest rate in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Only Mexico had a higher prevalence.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, there are 537 adults worldwide living with diabetes. That number is expected to rise to 643 million by 2030.