Sir Mark joins gesh after a career in the UK Civil Service, where he served as permanent secretary of the Department for International Development between 2011 and 2017, and at the United Nations as the under secretary general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator between 2017 and 2021.

In addition, Sir Mark brings a wealth of experience in government, as well as international experience to the NHS, which includes supporting improvements in life expectancy in Africa and South Asia and coordinating UN humanitarian assistance in countries across the world affected by natural disaster and conflict.

Throughout his career, Sir Mark has held senior strategic leadership roles in large and complex organisations.

He also is the chair of the board of trustees of the University of London and a member of the World Health Organization Global Preparedness Monitoring Board.

A finance professional by background, he is the vice-president of the Chartered Institute for Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and will take on the position of president of CIPFA from July 2025.

As chair of gesh, Sir Mark will lead the group board in the delivery of the gesh CARE strategy (PDF) to ensure the group delivers outstanding care for patients, fosters an inclusive culture and ensure services are sustainable and fit for the future. He will also play a key role in working with partners across the health and care system, to transform care and improve outcomes for local communities.

Sir Mark said: ‘The NHS is facing very significant challenges, but I am committed to ensuring that we continue providing the highest possible standard of care for our patients, while also looking after our colleagues, making our Group financially sustainable, embracing innovation, and working collaboratively with our partners.'

Caroline Clarke, regional director of the NHS in London, said: ‘Throughout his career, Sir Mark has been committed to boosting the health of the communities he serves, and he brings a tremendous amount of experience and expertise to this role.'

gesh is a group of hospitals and community services in South West London and Surrey, with 17,000 staff caring for a population of four-million.

Group chief executive, Jacqueline Totterdell, added: ‘Sir Mark joins us at a time of opportunity – we are strengthening our ties with partners such as City St George's, University of London to drive forward research and innovation, improve our services and develop our staff. We will also be building one of the biggest specialist renal units in the country, to improve services for some of our sickest patients.'

After eight years as chair of St George's and nearly six as chair of Epsom and St Helier, Gillian Norton's term of office will come to an end in March, and Sir Mark will take up the role on 1 April 2025.