Key Takeaways
- Dr. Sam Roberts of NICE will step down by year-end; recruitment for her replacement starts immediately.
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust sees leadership changes with Professor Phil Wood retiring and Clare Smith moving to York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals.
- The UK appoints Jade Leung from the AI Security Institute as the prime minister’s AI adviser, focusing on leveraging AI benefits.
Leadership Changes in the NHS and Beyond
Dr. Sam Roberts, chief executive of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), has announced her departure set for the end of the year after four years in her role. Recruitment for her successor will begin immediately, marking a significant transition for the organization.
In the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT), Professor Phil Wood, who has been instrumental in guiding the trust through the Covid-19 pandemic, plans to retire by the end of 2025. Wood has served in various capacities for over three decades within the NHS, currently as chief executive since February 2023 and previously as chief medical officer.
Clare Smith, the trust’s deputy chief executive and chief operating officer, is also leaving LTHT to take on a new role at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, though her departure date has not been disclosed.
Nuffield Health has announced the future appointment of Karen Prins as the chief operating officer for its hospitals, starting in October 2025. Coming from Circle Health Group, where she served as chief operating officer and most recently as acting chief executive, Prins’s experience will likely benefit the organization immensely.
An important addition to government roles is Jade Leung, who has been appointed the prime minister’s AI adviser. Leung, the chief technology officer at the AI Security Institute, will collaborate closely with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on strategies to position the UK as a leader in harnessing the benefits of AI technologies.
In another development, Denis Lafitte will transition to the role of chief digital and information officer at the NHS South East London Integrated Care Board (ICB) starting October 1, 2025. Lafitte currently holds the same position at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and he will maintain both roles concurrently.
Jacqueline Totterdell has been named the next chief executive of the NHS in Wales, succeeding Judith Paget, who will become the director general for strategy within the Welsh government. Paget’s new role aims to enhance strategic planning and delivery as the healthcare system undergoes significant changes.
Moreover, Jon Melbourne has been appointed as the chief executive of Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, set to begin in the coming months after completing pre-employment checks. He is currently serving as chief operating officer at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.
Lastly, John Lawlor is scheduled to step down as chair of the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust in November 2025, transitioning to a similar position at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust. During his tenure, Tavistock is set to be acquired by North London NHS Foundation Trust, with vice chair Aruna Mehta appointed as interim chair until the merger’s completion expected by April 1, 2026.
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