Bupa UK Insurance CEO Alex Perry will takeover as CEO of Nuffield Health later this year, replacing Steve Gray who has announced his retirement.
A formal date has not been given for when Perry will join the organisation but Nuffield Health said Gray would remain in position to ensure a smooth transition before retiring later this year.
Perry has been at Bupa for more than 16 years with seven and a half of those as chief executive officer of Bupa UK Insurance. Health & Protection understands Alex Perry will leave Bupa next month.
Perry is also a board member of the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
It is also believed that Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO for Bupa Global, India & UK will be managing responsibilities for the UK regulated entities of BINS and BISL, subject to regulatory approval, until a permanent successor is in role and is regulatory approved.
Bupa told Health & Protection that Richard Washington has been appointed general manager for Bupa UK Insurance on an interim basis, subject to regulatory approval, while it seeks a permanent successor.
Jaureguizar said: “We are very grateful to Alex for all he has given during his time at Bupa and wish him success in his new role.“
Right time to retire
Gray has been leading Nuffield Health for nine years and after 20 years in the healthcare sector said the time was right for him to retire.
The organisation said that during his tenure it had significantly expanded its reach and services by growing its network of fitness and wellbeing centres, as well as establishing a network of hospitals in London.
It added that it had also delivered free-to-access health and wellbeing initiatives that have been developed for those who are most in need of support.
Perry said he was greatly honoured to be given the opportunity to join the team at Nuffield Health later this year and lead the charity.
“Its mission has never been more important,” he said.
“We have a huge opportunity to help more people lead healthier and happier lives through building on Nuffield Health’s range of services and track record of exceptional quality care.
“I’m excited and look forward to working with the whole team at Nuffield Health to build a great future for the charity and its beneficiaries.”
Gray said: “It’s been a tough decision as Nuffield Health is an incredibly special place to work and that’s down to the 17,000 talented, passionate and dedicated people who are the driving force behind Nuffield Health.
“My priority will be to ensure a smooth transition so that the charity is in the strongest position when I hand over the baton to Alex to continue to drive forward our mission to build a healthier nation.”
Doubled number of people supported
Nuffield Health board of governors’ chairwoman Natalie-Jane Macdonald said Gray had led the organisation with integrity and passion and successfully championed its purpose to support people and communities across the UK, including those with the greatest health needs
“Under Steve’s leadership, the charity has doubled the number of people we support every year through our health and wellbeing services,” she said.
“He has steered the charity through the pandemic, one of the most challenging periods of the organisation’s history, ensuring we not only supported the NHS’s Covid-19 response, but looked after our people, our beneficiaries and assured the financial sustainability of the charity.
“I would like to thank him for all that he has done and continues to do for the charity through the transition period.”
Macdonald also welcomed Perry to the team.
“With his proven track record in delivering exceptional healthcare services, alongside his experience of leading transformation and strong commitment to customer satisfaction, we are confident that the charity will thrive under his leadership and continue to have a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of communities across the UK,” she added.