Guy's and St Thomas' appoints Ian Abbs as Chief Executive

Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust has announced the appointment of Professor Ian Abbs as its substantive Chief Executive following a formal recruitment process.

Trust Chairman Sir Hugh Taylor said: “I am sure colleagues both within the Trust and in our many partner organisations will join me in congratulating Professor Ian Abbs on his appointment.

“Professor Abbs has led the Trust with distinction and extraordinary compassion since taking on the role of Chief Executive following the secondment of Amanda Pritchard to NHS England in August 2019. 

“His ambitious vision for the future; absolute commitment to a values-driven and inclusive organisation; and his evident empathy for staff at all levels have helped to ensure the very best for our patients and the communities we serve.

“These qualities have carried us through the unparalleled challenges of the pandemic and also ensured the successful merger between Guy’s and St Thomas’ and Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trusts, which took place earlier this year.

“The recruitment process has demonstrated huge respect and admiration for his leadership of Guy’s and St Thomas’ over the past two years, as well as his contribution to the wider NHS, drawing on his considerable skills as an experienced executive and clinical leader.”

Professor Ian Abbs said: “I am extremely proud and honoured to have the opportunity to continue to lead this incredible organisation. I have been part of the Guy’s and St Thomas’ family throughout my career, having trained as a junior doctor at St Thomas’ before going on to hold a number of clinical and management roles across the Trust.

“The collective commitment of our staff, and their dedication to our patients and to each other, is a constant source of inspiration. Together we have ambitious plans for the future across our recently expanded organisation and the energy, compassion and excellence in all we do will create real health benefits for the patients we serve.”