Peters brings extensive experience of board‑level leadership, including roles in the public and private sectors, where he chairs and advises a range of organisations that cover social purpose, data analytics and sustainability. His current role includes chairing the UK Health Security Agency, and he was formerly chairman of Barts Health NHS Trust and a non-executive director of Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust.

He also has roles at Legal and General Affordable Homes, a for profit social housing business, and the Canal and River Trust.

Peters said: ‘We will shape and support sustainable improvement and help deliver lasting change to deliver better outcomes for the diverse communities we serve, to improve our colleagues' working environment, and to stimulate innovation to help the London economy.'

Dame Caroline Clarke, regional director for the NHS in London, said: ‘I'm delighted to work with Ian as the chair of the London Region. His appointment is a real boost to leadership across the region. Ian brings a wealth of experience and judgement needed to support our chairs and systems across London and reinforce public confidence in the management and leadership of NHS services – driving the improvements our staff and patients deserve.'

Peters will take up the post in mid-April for an initial three‑year term, working part‑time in line with the non‑executive nature of the role.