NICE has announced Prof Jonathan Benger CBE as its new CEO, following the resignation of Dr Samantha Roberts in August.
A practising emergency physician, Prof Benger also brings a strong background in national health policy to the role, including a stint as chief clinical information officer at NHS England. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the organisation, as NICE prepares to take on a significant role within the UK government’s 10 Year Health Plan.
“I’m honoured to be appointed as NICE’s new chief executive at such an important time for the NHS and for healthcare innovation,” Prof Benger said. “I’ve seen first-hand, both as a doctor in emergency medicine and in my work across the wider NHS, how the right guidance at the right time can transform patient care. My priority is to build on NICE’s reputation for independence, transparency and rigour, respond to current system challenges and ensure we continue to support the delivery of excellence in healthcare.”
Under the 10 Year Health Plan, NICE is expected to play a central role in supporting the rollout of integrated neighbourhood care, expanding access to digital health tools and contributing to new prevention strategies in the NHS.
Sharmila Nebhrajani OBE, Chair, NICE, said Prof Benger is “widely respected in the sector”, adding that his “extensive front-line clinical and national policy experience make him supremely well placed to lead our organisation through the next phase of its development”.
Alongside its work with the NHS, NICE will also collaborate more closely with the MHRA to speed up patient access to new medicines as part of the 10 Year Plan. By aligning regulatory and value assessments, it aims to make decisions on safety and cost-effectiveness in parallel, enabling treatments to reach patients three to six months sooner.
Commenting on her successor, Dr Roberts said: “I’m delighted that Jonathan has been appointed to lead NICE into its next chapter. His clinical expertise, national policy experience and deep understanding of the challenges facing the NHS make him the ideal person for this role.”
Prof Benger will take over from Dr Roberts on 19 December 2025.
