Guy’s and St Thomas’ begins search for future Chief Executive Officer

Trust Chairman Charles Alexander has today (6 January 2025) announced that the Board of Directors has begun a rigorous, international recruitment process to find a successor to Professor Ian Abbs, who has led the Trust with both distinction and compassion since taking on the role in August 2019.

Professor Abbs has confirmed his intention to stand down from the role of CEO later in the year, once a new CEO has been appointed. He will remain as CEO until a successor is available to assume the role, with exact timings subject to the appointment process and the notice period of his successor.

Professor Abbs has led Guy’s and St Thomas’, one of the largest NHS Foundation Trusts in the UK, for more than 5 years, including throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership the Trust completed a successful merger with Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust in February 2021; and, jointly with King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, delivered the largest global go live of the Epic electronic health record system in October 2023. Professor Abbs is also widely recognised for his passionate support for healthcare research, innovation and life sciences, both to benefit patients and the wider UK economy.

Charles Alexander said: “Professor Abbs is a highly regarded and distinguished leader of this hugely important Trust, and will remain so until the conclusion of the succession process.

On behalf of the Board I want to express our enormous thanks to Ian for his continued leadership, and for supporting the Board to enable a smooth and well managed transition as we seek a future leader of equal calibre to lead this great organisation.

“Those who know Ian will recognise that his determination and ambition are always matched by his commitment to deliver the best possible care to all our patients and his compassionate support for almost 24,000 colleagues across our 5 hospital sites and in our community services.”