Shaw joins from Great Ormond Street, where he served as medical director, before his appointment as chief executive in March 2018.

An orthopaedic surgeon by background, Shaw has held a variety of positions across the NHS, including medical director and deputy chief executive at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.

Sir Mark Lowcock, chair of gesh, said: 'Matt has an outstanding track record as a leader in the NHS. He brings vision, drive, energy and insight. He has played a personal role in driving forward health policy and cutting-edge technology, including using AI to save clinicians' time and improve patient care. He also brings a personal style of warmth and openness at a time of radical change across the NHS.

'He is uniquely placed to lead gesh into the future and we are excited to bring him back to St George's, Epsom and St Helier, where he trained and practiced earlier in his career.'

 

Shaw said: 'As one of the largest hospital groups in the country, gesh is not only a cornerstone of the NHS in London but also deeply rooted in the communities we serve. With 17,000 people working across our hospitals, our staff are more than employees – they, their families, and their friends are part of the same communities that rely on our services.

'My priority, now and always, is to ensure every patient receives the highest standard of care when they need it. To make that possible, we must ensure our people are fully supported and empowered to deliver outstanding care every day. I'm very much looking forward to meeting the teams who make gesh what it is.'

Shaw succeeds interim chief executive, James Blythe, who is returning as planned to his permanent role as managing director of Epsom and St Helier. Shaw will formally take up the post early next Spring.