Sumner will assume joint leadership responsibilities at LHCH from 1 April 2025, alongside his role as chief executive of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group (UHLG). 

The appointment follows the announcement in October 2024 that LHCH would integrate into the new city-wide hospital group from 2025/26.

Sumner has more than 20 years' experience working across the NHS, within primary and secondary care, system improvement and integrated care roles.

He was previously chief executive at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, before joining Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as chief executive in May 2022. He was subsequently appointed joint chief executive with Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust in December 2023, and then UHLG chief executive in November 2024.

Val Davies, chair at LHCH, said: 'Under James' leadership, new UHLG arrangements will continue to retain focus on the delivery of world class care and outcomes, as well as embracing future opportunities for integration, collaboration, research and innovation, for the benefit of all those patients and families we serve.

'I'm confident James will build on the outstanding work of our outgoing CEO, Liz Bishop, as she steps down after serving the NHS for 42 years.'

Sumner added: ‘I am looking forward to joining the team, building on the strong foundations that are established, and supporting colleagues to make a real difference to cardiothoracic care for patients across the region and beyond.'

In January, the hospital announced that David Flory would take up a joint chair role at LHCH from 1 April 2025, following the end of Val Davies' term of office as LHCH's current Chair on 31 March 2025.