NHS England announces new executive team for transition leadership

NHS England has announced a new executive team which is set to allign with the NHS’s long term plans.

In a significant move to “strengthen the organisation’s leadership” as it transitions into the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England has unveiled its newly appointed executive team.

This new leadership structure, named the NHS Transformation Executive Team, will take over from the current NHS England Executive Group, driving essential business priorities, statutory functions, and day-to-day operations.

The team is composed of existing executive leaders and individuals seconded from across the NHS.

The appointments are based on consultations with key figures, including the Secretary of State and incoming NHS England chair, Dr. Penny Dash.

While the team will assume their posts on 1 April 2025, the deputy CEO’s position will be filled at a later date. These appointments will evolve as permanent recruitment takes place in the future.

Among the key changes, the roles of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Delivery Officer will be dissolved.

The new structure introduces two co-medical directors and includes the creation of a Financial Reset and Accountability Director, alongside a director focused on elective care, cancer, and diagnostics.

The senior appointments represent a broader strategy to ensure the continuity of healthcare services, support system transformation, and facilitate delivery aligned with the NHS’s long-term plans.

Notable members of the new executive team include:

• Sir James Mackey, Chief Executive Officer, who will oversee leadership and organizational accountability.

• David Probert, Deputy CEO (pending arrangements).

• Meghana Pandit and Claire Fuller, Co-Medical Directors for Primary and Secondary Care.

• Duncan Burton, Chief Financial Officer, focusing on financial management and strategic finance.

• Elizabeth O’Mahony, Financial Reset Director, will guide the transition into a new financial structure in line with the 10-Year Health Plan.

The new structure also retains key figures such as Professor Stephen Powis as National Medical Director until early July 2025.

Regional directors, reporting directly to the CEO, will continue their current responsibilities, ensuring regional operations are maintained smoothly during the transition.