UHBW Professor Jonathan Benger appointed Chief Executive Officer of NICE

Professor Jonathan Benger CBE, Senior Consultant in Adult Emergency Medicine at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW), has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Professor Benger joined NICE in January 2023 as Chief Medical Officer and has since played a key role within the organisation, including serving as Interim Director of the Centre for Guidelines and Deputy Chief Executive.

Alongside his national leadership work, Professor Benger continues to practise clinically as a consultant in adult emergency medicine at the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI). He has worked at UHBW for over 23 years, and within the NHS for 35 years.

Professor Jonathan Benger said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the CEO of NICE and am grateful for the support and encouragement of colleagues at UHBW that has made this possible. Continuing clinical practice in the BRI Emergency Department ensures I remain up to date, and that the guidance NICE produces is relevant and impactful in the NHS.”

Maria Kane, Group Chief Executive at Bristol NHS Group, said: “On behalf of the Group, I would like to thank Jonathan for his continued contribution and extend my warmest congratulations on this well-deserved appointment.

“We are extremely fortunate as an organisation to benefit from his expertise locally, while he also plays an influential role in shaping policy and standards at a national level. I look forward to seeing the positive impact his leadership will deliver and wish him every success in his new role.”

Rebecca Maxwell, Interim Trust Medical Director at UHBW, said: “Jonathan’s appointment as CEO of NICE is brilliant news and very well deserved. He brings huge experience, real clinical insight and a clear commitment to improving care for patients.

“We’re very proud to see him take on this role, and it’s great that he’ll continue his clinical work at UHBW alongside his national leadership.”

Professor Benger also works regular shifts with Great Western Air Ambulance Charity - which he helped to establish - and is Professor of Emergency Care in the College of Health, Science and Society at the University of the West of England.

Sharmila Nebhrajani OBE, Chair of NICE, said: “I’m pleased to announce Jonathan's appointment. He has been a key member of the NICE leadership team, responsible for some critical elements of our transformation over the last three years.”

NICE, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care, provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care.