At the end of September Sir Robert Naylor stepped down as chief executive of UCLH. As chair of the ISEH board Sir Robert Naylor was instrumental in setting up the Institute and we would like to thank him for all his support and wish him the very best for the future.
Professor Fares Haddad, ISEH Clinical Director said: "Without a doubt it was Sir Robert's intervention that transformed the local vision of the ISEH into a succesful national project with big international reach and potential."
Matt James, ISEH Development Director said: "We are very thankful to
Sir Robert for chairing the ISEH Board which was especially signifcant
in the early stages of getting the Institute established and raising its
awareness. We wish him the very best of luck and happiness for the
future.”
Sir Robert joined UCLH 16 years ago in November 2000 when the contract for the new hospital had been signed and, during his time at the helm, he’s been an impressive leader.
One of the many people who paid tribute is renowned health commentator and broadcaster, Roy Lilley, who years ago gave Sir Robert the moniker of Bob the Builder. Writing in the latest edition of his respected e-newsletter for NHS managers, Mr Lilley said: “Bob built a career in the footsteps of his father; a hospital administrator. Through the NHS management scheme, to management roles and surfacing as a chief executive in Birmingham. From there, at the behest of the Secretary of State of the day, Alan Milburn, to being the boss of the pile of bricks that was to become the glass tower of UCLH.”
Sir Robert paid tribute to staff: “I would like to thank the thousands of staff who have made my time here so memorable. I applaud the commitment, skill and compassion you have shown which has made UCLH such an outstanding success … I am enormously proud of our staff for their tireless efforts to be the best that we can be for our patients.”
Sir Robert says he won’t simply be “slipping into retirement” but will be taking on a new non-executive portfolio career with board level positions around the world. He is also continuing his role as a government advisor on NHS property.
Neil Griffiths, deputy chief executive, will become interim chief executive until 3 January 2017 when Marcel Levi will take up his appointment as the new chief executive of UCLH.