David French has assumed the role of Chief Executive at the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. He has been interim Chief Executive at the trust since November 2020, when his predecessor Paula Head left the organisation.
French joined the trust in 2016 as Chief Financial Officer and became Deputy Chief Executive in 2019.
Peter Hollins, chair of UHS, said: “Throughout his time in the interim role and during the selection process, David has demonstrated exactly the right range of skills to take UHS into the future and at the same time ensure that it plays a leading role in the wider Hampshire and Isle of Wight healthcare system.
“We are delighted to have appointed him to the substantive role and the Trust Board is looking forward to working with him and the executive team in the continued delivery of our values and ambitions for the future.”
David French had previously worked as Chief Financial Officer at the Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust, a post he held for more than four years.
David French said of his appointment “It’s such an honour to be appointed chief executive officer of UHS, I am hugely proud of what this amazing hospital trust stands for and the commitment from our 12,000 staff in supporting patients, and each other, which is so evident every day in the outstanding patient care they deliver.
“I am looking forward to working closely with colleagues in the trust and with our partners across Hampshire and Isle of Wight to ensure we continue to provide world-class care.”
Read more about the new appointment here.
