Alex Perry CEO Bupa UK Insurance Leaving for Nuffield Health - Steve Gray Retires

Nuffield Health has announced that Steve Gray has decided to retire after nine years leading the Charity, and that Alex Perry, currently CEO for Bupa UK Insurance, is set to succeed him later this year.

During Steve’s tenure, Nuffield Health has significantly expanded its reach and services by growing its network of fitness and wellbeing centres, as well as establishing a network of hospitals in London to deliver its connected health ambitions. At the same time, the Charity has delivered free-to-access health and wellbeing initiatives that have been developed for those who are most in need of support. 

Natalie-Jane Macdonald, Chair of the Board of Governors, Nuffield Health said: “Steve has led the organisation with integrity and passion and successfully championed our purpose to support people and communities across the UK, including those with the greatest health needs. Under Steve’s leadership, the Charity has doubled the number of people we support every year through our health and wellbeing services.

He has steered the Charity through the pandemic, one of the most challenging periods of the organisation’s history, ensuring we not only supported the NHS’s COVID-19 response, but looked after our people, our beneficiaries and assured the financial sustainability of the Charity. I would like to thank him for all that he has done and continues to do for the Charity through the transition period.”

Steve Gray commented: “After nine years leading Nuffield Health and over 20 years working in the healthcare sector, I have decided the time is right for me to retire. It’s been a tough decision as Nuffield Health is an incredibly special place to work and that’s down to the 17,000 talented, passionate and dedicated people who are the driving force behind Nuffield Health.  My priority will be to ensure a smooth transition so that the Charity is in the strongest position when I hand over the baton to Alex to continue to drive forward our mission to build a healthier nation.”

Natalie-Jane Macdonald continued: “We are thrilled to welcome Alex to the Nuffield Health team, as our new CEO. With his proven track record in delivering exceptional healthcare services, alongside his experience of leading transformation and strong commitment to customer satisfaction, we are confident that the Charity will thrive under his leadership and continue to have a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of communities across the UK.”

Alex Perry said: “I’m greatly honoured to be given the opportunity to join the brilliant team at Nuffield Health later this year and lead the Charity. Its mission has never been more important. We have a huge opportunity to help more people lead healthier and happier lives through building on Nuffield Health’s range of services and track record of exceptional quality care. I’m excited and look forward to working with the whole team at Nuffield Health to build a great future for the Charity and its beneficiaries.”

Steve will continue at the helm of the Charity to ensure a smooth transition before retiring later this year.

About Alex Perry

Alex is Chief Executive of Bupa UK Insurance, the UK’s leading health insurer. He has been CEO since 2016, having worked in the business in a number of senior roles since 2010. In that time he has led record growth in customers to over 3 million, a significant increase in market share, led a full digital transformation as well as many developments in the service, support and healthcare that Bupa provides to its customers. 

Alex joined Bupa in 2008, leading their UK Clinics business. He was previously a Principal at Marakon Associates, the strategic advisory firm, and before that held a number of senior commercial roles at First Choice Holidays. Alex has an MBA with distinction from INSEAD and a degree from the University of Oxford. Alex has also served on the board of Bupa Hong Kong and the Association of British Insurers (ABI), and has been a trustee of Bupa’s charitable arm, the Bupa Foundation.