Key Summary
- Professor Jonathan Benger takes over as chief executive
- He is a practising health professional with deep NHS experience.
- He will help NICE deliver the NHS 10-Year Health Plan with clear, trusted guidance
Professor Jonathan Benger CBE has been appointed the chief executive of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
NICE chairperson Sharmila Nebhrajani announced that Benger will take charge on Friday (19) from Dr Samantha Roberts.
"Jonathan is widely respected in the sector and his extensive front-line clinical and national policy experience make him supremely well placed to lead our organisation through the next phase of its development,” Nebhrajani said.
Benger joined NICE in January 2023 as chief medical officer and has since held the roles of interim director of the Centre for Guidelines and deputy chief executive.
He continues to practice as a consultant in emergency medicine at the Bristol Royal Infirmary and is associated with the Great Western Air Ambulance, a charity he helped to establish.
Benger’s appointment comes at a time when NICE is playing a central part in delivering the government's 10 Year Health Plan for the NHS.
He said, “I'm excited about the significant expansion of NICE's role outlined in the government's 10 Year Health Plan. I've seen first-hand, both as a doctor in emergency medicine and in my work across the wider NHS, how the right guidance at the right time can transform patient care.
“My priority is to build on NICE's reputation for independence, transparency and rigour, respond to current system challenges and ensure we continue to support the delivery of excellence in healthcare."
MHRA chief executive Lawrence Tallon also welcomed Benger’s appointment.
He said, “Collaboration between the MHRA and NICE has never been more important as we work to accelerate innovation while maintaining the highest standards of safety and effectiveness.
“His experience and clinical insight will help us deliver on this together.”
