University Hospital Southampton Chief Executive, David French, has announced that he will step down from his role in July 2026 after more than five years leading the organisation.

David joined the Trust as Chief Financial Officer in 2016, becoming Chief Executive in 2020 and providing exemplary leadership throughout that period.

During David’s tenure, the Trust has grown substantially, providing high quality healthcare to many more patients in Southampton and across the region. His leadership to create and implement the Trust’s strategy has supported the consistent delivery of outstanding clinical outcomes and other significant accomplishments, such as:

Introduction of new, cutting-edge services and significant investment in Research and Development, strengthening the Trust’s reputation as a leading university teaching hospital.
Development of the Adanac Park Health Innovation Campus, including state-of-the-art facilities supporting Southampton and other hospitals across the region.
A capital investment programme, including new theatres, intensive care and ward expansions, enabling the Trust to treat more patients than ever before.

Jenni Douglas-Todd, Chair of the Trust said: “It has been a real privilege to work with David. His demonstrable commitment to the Trust’s and NHS values have guided the organisation successfully through some difficult years, including the Covid period. His unwavering vision for what the organisation could be was set out in the Trust’s ambitious five-year strategy and in that time he has delivered many significant achievements. A highly respected and visible leader, David’s reputation and abilities transcended the organisation, and he has played a wider leadership role within the Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS system, as well as the city of Southampton. I offer my sincere and heartfelt thanks to David and wish him well for the next chapter of his life.”

David said: “As I reflect on my ten years at UHS, it has been a hugely rewarding time and such a privilege to work alongside fantastic colleagues who do amazing things every day. Working together, I am extraordinarily proud of everything we have achieved and it has been a true honour to lead this wonderful organisation.

“We have a lot of important work to do over the next six months and I am committed to completing that work so the organisation has the strongest foundations possible for the future.

“UHS will always hold the most special place in my heart and I will look on with pride as it thrives and continues to provide outstanding healthcare for millions of people.”

David will remain in post until he steps down in July, during which time the Trust Board will begin the process of recruiting his successor.

Announcement from UHS Trust Chair Jenni Douglas-Todd