Movers and Shakers news roundup

Our latest Movers and Shakers roundup features a new chief executive for Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and a new clinical oncology lead AI advisor at the Royal College of Radiologists.

The UK government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has appointed Kenan Poleo as director of the Office for Life Sciences.

She started on 1 May 2026 and will lead delivery of the Life Sciences Sector Plan and support the innovation commitments in the 10 year health plan.

Dr Owen Williams has announced he will be stepping down as chief executive at The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust in September 2026, having been in the role since November 2021.

Dr Michael Holland will become chief executive at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust later this year following the retirement of Grant Macdonald.

Mary Mumvuri has been appointed as substantive chief executive at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, having been at chief nursing officer at the trust for three years before becoming acting CEO in September last year.

She posted on LinkedIn: “It’s an honour to take on this role at such an important time. I recognise both the challenges and opportunities ahead, and I’m committed to working collaboratively, listening closely, and driving meaningful improvement across the organisation. I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together.”

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has appointed Dr Adrian Hayter as chief medical officer.

Dr Hayter chaired the Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead Clinical Commissioning Group between 2013 and 2018, and in 2019 became the first GP to be appointed as national clinical director for older people and person-centred care by NHS England.

The Royal College of Radiologists has appointed Professor Raj Jena as its clinical oncology lead AI advisor, following a competitive process. He will serve a two-year term until summer 2028.

Prof Jena will help to shape the College’s thinking in the field of AI, build relationships across the sector and find opportunities to drive and transform AI in clinical oncology.

Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria has appointed Mark Henderson as new clinical director. He takes over from Professor Julia Newton, who has been part of the organisation since 2017 and is retiring after nine years in post.

Ruth Goodridge has been announced as the new director of the National Institute for Health and Care Research HealthTech Research Centre for Rehabilitation, leading the centre’s mission to help transform the lives of patients after experiencing life-changing injury, trauma and illness.

Silvia Health, a digital health company supporting structured menopause care across NHS primary care and private clinics, has appointed Kyle Yeldon as non-executive director.

International healthcare company Bupa has announced the appointment of Professor Melvin Samsom as group chief medical and sustainability officer.

He will take on the sustainability remit in addition to his position as group chief medical officer following Nigel Sullivan’s retirement after more than eight years in Bupa’s executive leadership team.

Perci Health, a UK virtual cancer clinic, has appointed Katie Crook-Davies as director of strategic accounts.

The Simplyhealth Group, a UK provider of healthcare services, health plans, and dental payment plans, has appointed Julie Hopes as a non‑executive director.