Whitehouse currently serves as chief executive for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, a role he has held since 2022. With more than 30 years of experience in the NHS, he brings a wealth of expertise from clinical practice, as a physiotherapist, and senior leadership roles.

Before joining NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, Whitehouse was chief executive of two Cheshire clinical commissioning groups. He later became director of the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Sustainability and Transformation Partnership in June 2017.

Ian Green, recently announced as chair of the ICB Cluster for the two ICBs, said: ‘Under his leadership, NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin has seen significant improvements, including enhanced staff engagement and a positive cultural shift, as reflected in recent NHS staff survey results.

‘The system has also benefited from stronger partnership working, successful delivery of a challenging financial and operational plan, and the removal of NHS England's legal Directions and Undertakings - clear indicators of the progress being made.'

Whitehouse said: ‘I'm excited to continue the improvement journey in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and honoured to be asked to lead both ICBs. While challenges lie ahead, particularly in delivering the ambitions set out in the Government's 10-Year Health Plan, my focus will be on improving outcomes for the residents that we serve.

‘This can only be achieved by building on the best from both ICBs, developing an organisation that we can all be proud of and working as strong partners across the wider health and care system.'

David Pearson, chair of NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, who announced his retirement in July, said: "I have had the pleasure of previously working with Simon when he held system roles within Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. As a resident of the area, Simon is very familiar with the challenges and strengths within our communities. He also brings significant commissioning experience, which will be helpful in the move towards ICBs becoming strategic commissioners.

‘Simon's experience will be invaluable as we embark on a new journey of collaboration with NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. There is no doubt that the scale of the task to embed the 10-Year Plan and the new operating model for the ICBs is significant, but I am confident that together we will continue to deliver on the health priorities of local people and prepare the ground for a strong and sustainable NHS longer term.'

Dr Paul Edmondson-Jones, interim chief executive of NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent since July this year, said: 'Having worked closely with him in our local area for many years, I know Simon is ideally suited to take us on the next steps of our journey towards delivering the best possible health services for the patients and communities we serve.

'I'm looking forward to supporting him in his new role as our two ICBs continue to maximise every opportunity to build on our strengths for the benefit of patients and staff.'

Dr Paul Edmondson-Jones will revert to the role of deputy chief executive for NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.