The London Clinic – C-suite executive search team build

About The London Clinic

Founded in 1932, The London Clinic is the UK’s largest independent hospital and one of the most prestigious private acute healthcare providers in the world. Operating from its iconic Harley Street location, the Clinic offers unrivalled clinical expertise across oncology, surgery, cardiology, and complex medicine. Its facilities include a dedicated cancer centre, Europe’s largest independent stem cell unit, 234 beds, 11 theatres – including hybrid and robotic capability – a 13-bed Level 3 intensive care unit, state-of-the-art linear accelerators, and a dedicated Rapid Diagnostics Centre.

With a revenue of £188m (FY ’24) and a Royal Patron in HM The Queen (formerly HRH The Duchess of Cornwall), The London Clinic occupies a uniquely prestigious position within the UK private healthcare landscape. As part of the next phase of its partnership with Chicago’s Northwestern Medicine – one of the USA’s most celebrated academic health systems – the Clinic is investing in leadership infrastructure to underpin its long-term strategic ambitions.

The Brief

As The London Clinic entered a new chapter of its partnership with Northwestern Medicine, the organisation sought to make a series of transformational appointments to its most senior leadership team. Three separate searches were commissioned, each requiring a distinct approach:

1. Chief Executive Officer

Following the decision of the long-standing incumbent CEO to step down after almost nine years in post, the Clinic’s Nominations Committee required a highly confidential search for an exceptional new chief executive. The incoming CEO would be entrusted with leading the organisation through the next phase of its evolution and deepening its partnership with Northwestern Medicine.

2. Chief Medical Officer

An experienced clinical leader was sought who could combine absolute clinical excellence with the commercial acumen required to operate effectively within a high-performing, internationally connected private hospital. Managing relationships with the Clinic’s consultant body while setting the strategic medical agenda made this an unusually demanding brief.

3. Chief Technology Officer

The Clinic needed an experienced technology leader capable of driving a comprehensive refresh of its digital infrastructure, with particular emphasis on implementing a new electronic patient records (EPR) system. This is one of the most complex and consequential technology programmes in private healthcare, requiring a candidate with direct, demonstrable delivery experience.

Why Compass Carter Osborne

Compass Carter Osborne was appointed as the exclusive search partner across all three mandates, reflecting the firm’s deep track record in private and independent healthcare executive search. Our ability to navigate sensitive, confidential appointments at C-suite and board level – and to access networks spanning both the NHS and independent sector – made us the trusted partner of choice for this strategically significant programme of leadership change.

Search Process & Methodology

Compass Carter Osborne tailored its approach to the specific requirements and sensitivities of each individual search.

Chief Executive Officer

The CEO search demanded the highest level of confidentiality. Following thorough market mapping, a targeted search strategy was agreed with members of the Clinic’s Nominations Committee. All initial approaches were made personally and under NDA by CCO Director Dan Kiely, with candidates entering a formal recruitment process only once appropriate groundwork had been laid. The wider market remained entirely unaware of the search throughout, with the appointment announced only when the Clinic was prepared to do so.

Chief Medical Officer

The search blended an external market mapping exercise with the careful management of several of the Clinic’s own senior consultants who had expressed interest in the role. These are high-profile, time-poor professionals who require sensitive engagement, often outside of conventional working hours. Discretion, cultural understanding, and sector credibility were essential to navigating this process effectively.

Chief Technology Officer

Our research team first undertook a detailed mapping exercise to identify which hospital groups and NHS trusts had recently undergone EPR implementations, building a comprehensive picture of technology leaders – both current and historic – who had delivered comparable programmes. This market intelligence-led approach ensured the longlist reflected genuine, demonstrable capability rather than title alone.

Outcome

Philip Luce – Chief Executive Officer (announced May 2026)

Philip’s appointment as CEO was announced in May 2026 and represents the conclusion of a rigorous, confidential executive search process. His arrival marks a significant new chapter in the Clinic’s leadership story. [Further detail to follow from The London Clinic.]

Dr Nathan Kasivisvanathan – Chief Medical Officer

After a highly competitive process, Dr Kasivisvanathan was appointed as Chief Medical Officer. He joined The London Clinic from Circle Health Group, where he served as Medical Director with group-wide responsibility for medical performance, overseeing more than 6,500 doctors, 50+ clinical chairs, and over 100 resident medical officers.

David Ferguson – Chief Technology Officer

David brings deep experience across both professional services and complex healthcare technology environments. Following an early career with Accenture and Deloitte, he has since led major programmes for Barclays Capital and Linklaters. Of particular relevance was his three and a half years with HCA Healthcare UK, providing direct private hospital sector experience ahead of his appointment to The London Clinic.

Are you seeking a trusted partner to support your executive search in healthcare and life sciences?

Compass Carter Osborne is a specialist healthcare and social care executive search firm, working with independent providers, private equity-backed platforms, and investor-led organisations to identify and secure exceptional C-suite and board-level talent. From CEO and COO appointments to clinical leadership and non-executive directors, we bring sector depth and transactional knowledge to every mandate.

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