Dr Usman Khan has been appointed as the new regional Director of Improvement, Transformation and Partnerships for the NHS in London. The role, which is a joint appointment between the NHS, the Greater London Authority and London Councils, is central to how the health and care system in the capital works in a joined-up way to deliver high quality care and outcomes.

Dr Khan is a health policy and management professional who has held senior board roles in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors over the last 25 years. Most recently, this has included holding the role of Chair of South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and Non-Executive Director at North Central London Integrated Care Board.

He is also Chair of the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Vice Chair of Governors at London Metropolitan University. In addition to his Board roles, Dr Khan is also Visiting Professor in Health Management and Policy at KU Leuven, Belgium and regular public speaker and writer on health policy matters.

Dr Khan is expected to take up the role in early March and will succeed Martin Machray, who retired in December 2024 after 35 years of dedicated service to the NHS.

Ahead of starting his new role, Dr Usman Khan said:

“In taking up this role at NHS London I very much feel that I am coming home.

“Having spent the last decades working on health system improvement in the UK, Europe and the United States, I hope to bring some of that learning to the important work of improving the health and wellbeing of all Londoners.

“I am very much looking forward to working with my new colleagues and partners to help deliver our ambitious and exciting shared agenda.”

Caroline Clarke, Regional Director for the NHS in London said:

“I am absolutely delighted to welcome Usman to NHS England. His wide range of experience and expertise will prove invaluable as we work with our partners to deliver our vision of making London the healthiest global city and the best global city in which to receive health and care.

“This joint role with the Greater London Authority and London Council is a reflection of our commitment to working together in the best interests of all Londoners, and I look forward to working with Usman to achieve this.”

 The Mayor of London’s Health Advisor, Dr Tom Coffey OBE, said:

“I’d like to congratulate Dr Usman Khan on his appointment as the new regional Director of Improvement, Transformation and Partnerships for the NHS in London.

“Dr Khan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role that will be key in tackling some of the unacceptable health inequalities holding many Londoners back from living fulfilling lives.

“I look forward to working with Dr Khan to build on the great work we’ve delivered together in partnership, ensuring all Londoners have access to the health and care services they need, as we build a better London for everyone.”

Yolande Burgess, Strategy Director: Health and Prevention at London Councils, said:

“Congratulations to Dr Usman Khan on his appointment to this important role and I look forward to working with him. This joint appointment signals we collectively recognise that the only way we are going to become a healthier city and improve the health and care services that so many Londoners rely on, is by working together.”