In a world where leadership often follows conventional paths, Coumarassamy Marimouttou—fondly known as Coumar—emerges as a trailblazer redefining what it means to lead with heart, resilience, and inclusive vision. From the vibrant coasts of Pondicherry, India, to the top echelons of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), his story is one of inspiration, transformation, and unwavering dedication to justice, quality care, and equity.
Coumarassamy Marimouttou: From Pondicherry to Birmingham – A Journey Rooted in Compassion
Born and trained in Pondicherry, India, Coumarassamy Marimouttou began his nursing career in 1994. Driven by a deep passion for mental health care, he relocated to the United Kingdom in 2003, a bold step that would eventually lead him to become the Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT).
What distinguishes Coumar isn’t just his remarkable professional trajectory—it’s his deep-seated commitment to people, values, and progress. His journey from a frontline nurse to a systems-level leader reflects not just personal success but a broader story of hope for underrepresented voices in healthcare.
Education as Empowerment: Building Knowledge to Build Systems
Coumar’s pursuit of knowledge reflects his belief in continuous development. He holds an MSc in Forensic Mental Health Care from the University of Birmingham and an MBA in Health Executive Leadership from Keele University. He also completed prestigious leadership programs such as the Ready Now Programme and the Nye Bevan Executive Leadership Programme at the NHS Leadership Academy.
These academic and professional achievements are not just credentials—they are tools Coumar has masterfully wielded to deliver systemic change, improve mental health outcomes, and uplift diverse teams across specialities.
Coumarassamy Marimouttou: Leading with Purpose – Transforming Culture and Quality in Mental Health
At BSMHFT, Coumarassamy Marimouttou is celebrated for revolutionizing work cultures. His value-based approach to leadership and care has led to notable recognition from the Royal College of Psychiatrists Quality Network and the Care Quality Commission (CQC). He has not only transformed the operational landscape but also cultivated a culture where every voice matters and every patient receives dignified, equitable care.
His unique ability to lead transformational change across a vast healthcare trust is both strategic and deeply human. His leadership during organizational reforms is credited with uplifting staff morale, embedding equity into care pathways, and bringing tangible improvements to the lives of patients.
Founding BINA: A Vision to Unite and Uplift Indian-Origin Nurses
With lived experience as a BAME professional, Coumar understood the barriers and inequalities that minority healthcare workers face in the UK. Determined to be part of the solution, he aligned with the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) in 2017, setting the foundation for a movement.
In August 2020, during the critical months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Coumar co-founded the British Indian Nurses Association (BINA)—a watershed moment for Indian-origin nurses across the UK. Under his stewardship, BINA emerged as a unifying platform for advocacy, professional growth, and cultural connection. Its formal launch by Ruth May, the Chief Nursing Officer for England, cemented its national importance.
As Founder and Chairman, Coumar envisions BINA as a bridge that connects nursing and medical professionals of Indian origin—empowering them to influence and improve the healthcare system not just for staff, but for the diverse communities they serve.
A Leader Honored and Celebrated
Coumarassamy Marimouttou’s exceptional service has garnered him numerous prestigious awards:
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Best Nurse Award – Lions Club of Pondicherry (1999)
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BAPIO Nurse of the Year (2021)
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National BAME Health and Care Awards Finalist in two categories: Compassionate/Inclusive Leader and BAME Nurse of the Year (2022)
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Inclusive Leadership Award – Silver Award Winner, BSMHFT Trust Values Awards (2022)
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Commonwealth Games Medal for bringing the spirit of the Games to mental health patients
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Health Service Journal Recognition – One of the 50 most influential BAME people in UK healthcare (October 2022)
Every award, every recognition, is a reflection of the quiet revolutions he has sparked within institutions towards inclusion, compassion, and excellence.
Research and Global Voice
Coumar is also a voice of academic and policy influence. His research, presented at national and international platforms, delves into crucial issues of mental health, leadership, and racial equity. His insights challenge outdated norms and offer progressive frameworks that prioritise cultural competence and patient-centred care.
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