King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has announced the appointment of Matthew Trainer as its next Chief Executive, following a competitive recruitment process approved by the Trust’s Council of Governors.
Trainer, who is currently Chief Executive of Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, will take up his new role at King’s later this year, subject to standard pre‑appointment clearances. His confirmed start date will be announced in due course.
The news marks an important leadership transition for one of London’s largest and most complex NHS trusts, with Professor Clive Kay set to remain Chief Executive until his retirement this summer.
Matthew Trainer brings extensive senior experience across acute, mental health, and community services. He has served as Chief Executive of BHRUT since 2021, during which time the trust has seen improvements in organisational stability, culture and operational performance.
Before joining BHRUT, he spent three years as Chief Executive of Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, leading mental health, learning disability and community services across south‑east London. Trainer previously worked within King’s itself as Managing Director of the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) in Orpington, giving him direct experience of the organisation he will now lead.
His appointment is expected to support continuity, strengthen system partnerships and build on King’s role within the South East London Integrated Care System.
Commenting on this new role, Trainer said:
“It is a huge honour to be appointed Chief Executive of King’s. I am delighted to be coming back to the place where I first worked in a hospital.
“King’s is widely respected for its brilliant people and fantastic care, and I look forward to working with my new colleagues when I join the Trust later this year.”
The announcement comes at a time of sustained operational pressure for the NHS in London, with King’s continuing to manage rising demand, workforce challenges and increasing complexity in patient care. Trainer’s background in organisational improvement and system leadership is expected to be central to the Trust’s next phase of development.
Professor Clive Kay, who has led King’s since 2019, will continue in post until his retirement this summer, ensuring a stable handover period.
Trainer’s move is likely to be closely watched by NHS leaders, given King’s size, specialist portfolio and national significance. The Trust delivers major trauma, liver medicine and transplantation services, and plays a critical role in research, workforce training and population health across south London.
His appointment signals a continued focus on quality improvement, operational recovery and partnership working across acute, community and primary care settings.
Image credit: King’s College Hospital NHS FT
