Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation has appointed a new chief executive to lead organisational direction and execute a vision for a healthier society in London and across the UK.
Laurie Lee has been the Foundation’s interim chief executive since April 2023 but has now been made a permanent fixture.
Laurie will spearhead work through the Foundation’s family of organisations, which include:
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity
- Evelina London Children’s Charity
- Guy’s Cancer Charity
- Impact on Urban Health
The Foundation supports patients and staff at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, as well as people in the London boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark. It is the custodian of a £1bn endowment, making it one of the UK’s largest charitable foundations.
“Throughout the process Laurie embodied a deep commitment to the building the foundations of a healthier society,” said Susanne Given, chair at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation. “He brings extensive experience to the role from across several senior third sector and government roles.”
Laurie has previously worked at CARE International UK, where he led a group of organisations in the fight to achieve the 2019 global law against sexual violence and harassment at work, in turn protecting 500 million women across 50 countries with no domestic legislation.
Among several other board roles in the charitable sector, Laurie was deputy policy director at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as being a senior government advisor.
“The vital work the Foundation does to improve health outcomes has never been more relevant,” said Laurie. “At a time when our nation’s health faces such significant and complex challenges, our mission to build the foundations of a healthier society is more urgent than ever.”
He added: “I am determined and confident that, together and with our people and partners, we can create the positive impact we know is needed. We will do this through our three NHS charities, Impact on Urban Health, and as an investor, to help everyone to stay healthier, for longer.”
Image credit: Chandra Prasad & CARE International
