Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) has appointed Nicola Ayton as Chief Executive, following a competitive recruitment process. She had been serving as interim Chief Executive since 1 January 2026.
Ayton joined CUH in 2018 and has held roles as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Strategy and Major Projects. She has also held senior roles at NHS England, the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit at No. 10, and HM Treasury.
Baroness Sally Morgan, Chair of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
I am delighted that Nicola has been appointed. The panel was impressed by her combination of rigour and empathy, and her ability to focus on our short-term delivery needs, while also looking forward with a practical but broad ambition for the future. Our new strategy sets out our aim to be ‘excellent everyday’. That is a big ambition, but I know Nicola will lead the Trust to make that real.
Baroness Sally Morgan, Chair of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Nicola Ayton, Chief Executive of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said:
I am delighted and proud to have been appointed as the substantive Chief Executive for Cambridge University Hospitals. I do not underestimate the significance of taking on this role for one of the country’s leading specialist teaching hospitals at this time.
I will continue to work with colleagues and partners to achieve consistently excellent, timely care for our patients, to change care for the future, and to maximise the impact of world-class research and innovation for the populations we serve.
The panel, Trust Board and stakeholders have placed their trust in me to lead Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie through our next chapter and I will repay that trust through the delivery of our collective ambitions.
Nicola Ayton, Chief Executive of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
This appointment was approved by the Council of Governors following a competitive recruitment process and an interview panel consisting of the members below:
- Baroness Sally Morgan (CUH Chair)
- Clare Panniker (NHS England Regional Director for the East of England)
- Dr James Morrow (CUH Non-Executive Director)
- Philippa Hird (CUH Non-Executive Director)
- Baroness Julia Neuberger (Chair of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)
- Dame Amanda Pritchard (Chief Executive of Guys & St Thomas NHS Trust)
- David Wherrett (CUH Chief People Officer)