Rotorua Community Hospice Trust chairman Merlin Mills said in a statement Williams helped guide the organisation through a transitional period and prepare it for its next phase.
The hospice board said in the statement that Mortimer brought extensive experience in health leadership, strategic funding and purpose-driven organisational development.
He would begin his new role on December 12.
The board said Mortimer joined the hospice shortly after leaving his role as chief executive of Anamata, a youth health organisation based in Taupō and Tūrangi.
Mortimer was also the community relations and fundraising manager at Lake Taupō Hospice from 2019 to 2022.
His leadership style – described as “grounded in humility, accountability and trust” – aligned closely with hospice values, the board said, and would strengthen its commitment to delivering compassionate, community-focused care.
Mortimer said returning to Rotorua, where he grew up, made the appointment especially meaningful.
He was looking forward to working alongside staff, volunteers and the wider community.
Annabel Reid is a multimedia journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post, based in Rotorua. Originally from Hawke’s Bay, she has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Canterbury.
