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NHS England has confirmed the appointment of James Brent as the new Chair of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. James will succeed Richard Crompton whose term of office comes to an end on 29 July, 2022. James will serve as Chair from 01 August 2022 to 31 July 2026.

James previously held a 25-year career as an investment banker and was the youngest ever Director of merchant bank J. Henry Schroder and Co. He was also Citigroup’s Head and Chairman of Real Estate and Lodging, and a member of Citigroup’s Global Banking Operating Committee. 

He has advised the boards of large companies and governments in the UK and across the world and has led a wide range of mergers and acquisitions, restructuring and financing transactions. James' roles as an executive and as a non-executive Chairman have covered a wide range of businesses, organisations and institutions, providing strategic and operational guidance and counsel to boards, clients and management teams.

Since stepping down as an investment banker in 2009, James has spent approximately half his working time supporting the public sector. He has recently retired as non-executive Chairman of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, and until September 2016 was also non-executive Chairman of Plymouth University.

James may also be remembered more locally as the former chairman of Plymouth Argyle Football Club.

James said: “University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust plays a critical role in the health and care system in Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall at a time of significant challenge for both our staff and the communities we serve. It is an incredible privilege to be asked to become chairman of the Trust and to have the opportunity to work with so many talented colleagues, the wider NHS, Local Government and the voluntary sector in aspiring to deliver high quality services with good and timely access. 

“I acknowledge the ongoing pressures on our colleagues, not only within the Trust but across the wider system. I am excited by the opportunity for us collectively to do the very best we can for our communities within the resources available to us.”

Chief Executive of the Trust, Ann James, said: “We are delighted to welcome James. He will bring a unique combination of the experience of being a long-standing NHS Chair within Devon with this professional background in investment, transformation and collaboration. This comes at the right time for UHP as we transform the way we use digital, build new hospital facilities and develop more integrated care for the future.”

Elizabeth O’Mahony, Regional Director for NHS England in the South West said: “I am very pleased James has been appointed. He is an experienced Chair who will bring significant knowledge and wisdom to the role. I look forward to working with him in the future.”