Healthcare charity Nuffield Health has appointed Alex Perry as chief executive to succeed Steve Gray later this year. Gray has decided to retire after nine years leading the charity.

Perry is currently chief executive of Bupa UK Insurance.

Natalie-Jane Macdonald, chair of the board of governors at Nuffield Health said: “Steve has led the organisation with integrity and passion and successfully championed our 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. 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.”

Gray commented: “After nine years leading Nuffield Health and over 20 years working in the healthcare sector, I have decided the time is right for me to retire. 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.”

Natalie-Jane Macdonald continued: “We are thrilled to welcome Alex to the Nuffield Health team, as our new CEO. 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.”

Perry said: “I’m greatly honoured to be given the opportunity to join the brilliant team at Nuffield Health later this year and lead the charity. Its mission has never been more important. 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.”