Director of Strategy appointed

Dr Catherine French has been appointed as Director of Strategy at King’s Health Partners, taking up the role from 19 February 2024.

Catherine [pictured right], who will work alongside Joseph Casey, will be responsible for leading the strategy development for King’s Health Partners, working closely with partners across the health system, and the communities we serve, to deliver new strategic priorities and prepare for the NIHR Academic Health Science Centre accreditation process.

Catherine was previously the director of Strategic Delivery for Health and Life Sciences at King’s College London and held the position of Associate Director for the KHP Cardiovascular and Respiratory Partnership, delivering a strategic clinical academic integration and transformation programme across KHP.

Catherine has considerable experience driving change across complex systems, specialising in NHS and university partnerships and a background in NHS management and transformation across acute care, commissioning and mental health and her academic interests focus on knowledge mobilisation and boundary work. 

Prof Richard Trembath, Executive Director, King’s Health Partners, said:

I am delighted that, following a competitive recruitment process, Catherine has been appointed to this role. Catherine comes with a wealth of leadership experience in an NHS and academic environment and her strong track record of delivery will support King’s Health Partners as we further develop our strategic direction and focus, together with our partners and the wider health system. 

Joseph Casey took on an expanded remit and responsibility in summer 2023, following the departure of Jill Lockett, Managing Director. To reflect changes in reporting and his additional operational responsibility at King’s Health Partners, Joseph’s role, formerly Director of Partnerships and Programmes, has been updated to Director of Partnerships and Operations.