Nuffield Health Strengthens its Leadership Team with Two Executive Director Appointments

Kathryn Pritchard joined the organisation in late March as Chief People Officer, a new role created on the executive team, as Nuffield Health strengthens its commitment to becoming the best place to work in health and wellbeing in the UK.

An accomplished leader, Kathryn built her career in general management, human resources and transformation both internationally and in the UK. Kathryn has undertaken complex Chief People Officer roles at Nord Anglia Education and Odeon Cinemas.

Kathryn Pritchard, Chief People Officer, said:

“Having recently joined I’ve already been inspired by the people at this unique organisation, particularly those delivering front line services to almost 2 million people each year. I want Nuffield Health to continue to be a place where people can thrive, and I’m dedicated to supporting our teams to reach their potential, as they support our patients, members, and beneficiaries."

To ensure the organisation delivers a leading patient and customer experience, and strong trading performance across its health and wellbeing services, a new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) has been appointed, with Chris Gowland taking on the role in early April.

Chris has spent most of his career with Lloyds Banking Group (LBG), most recently as their Chief Customer Officer covering customer experience and marketing. He previously held a wide range of roles including leading the mortgage business, customer-facing teams serving 30 million customers and commercial director for the Retail Bank.

Chris Gowland, Chief Commercial Officer, said:

“Nuffield Health is an important organisation, dedicated to delivering outstanding patient care and member support across its network of Hospitals and Fitness and Wellbeing Centres, while investing in free health and wellbeing initiatives that benefit communities nationwide.

“I am really excited to join Alex and the rest of the team in an organisation with an incredibly inspiring purpose, and huge ambition, at a challenging and pivotal time in the health and wellbeing industries.”

Nuffield Health CEO, Alex Perry said:

“Nuffield Health has an enormous opportunity to drive more impact – delivering high-quality care and fitness support to more people, and expanding on our free programmes for all to further increase our positive social impact. Strengthening our leadership team is key to achieving our bold ambitions.

“We’re thrilled to welcome executives of the talent and track records of Kathryn and Chris and I know that both will make a huge contribution to Nuffield Health and our mission to build a healthier nation.”

Chris replaces David Beresford as Chief Commercial Officer. David joined on an interim basis in 2024. David will continue with the organisation as Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Hospitals. 

Last updated Thursday 3 April 2025

First published on Thursday 3 April 2025