King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has appointed Damian McGuinness chief people officer, from 1 September.
McGuinness’ remit will include leading the trust’s efforts to make King’s a more equitable, diverse and inclusive organisation for staff, and the many people who use our services. He will replace current chief people officer Mark Preston, who is retiring later this year.
McGuinness joins from the London Ambulance Service, where he has led the people and culture directorate since 2021. Prior to that, he worked at Barts Heath NHS Trust as director of people at The Royal London and Mile End Hospitals.
He has worked in HR and organisational development roles within acute, mental health and commissioning trusts for more than two decades. In 2024, he was named People Leader of the Year by the Healthcare People Management Association, and his people and culture team won the People Team of the Year award.
McGuinness said: “I am delighted to be joining King’s, at a pivotal time for the trust. I look forward to working with the leadership team to ensure King’s is a place where staff are happy and proud to work, and meeting the brilliant people who deliver outstanding care every day to the patient population of south-east London and beyond.”
Professor Clive Kay, chief executive at King’s, added: “Damian has proved himself as a strong leader with extensive experience of delivering change within the NHS. We look forward to working with Damian as we continue our improvement journey, and to make King’s the best place to work and receive care. I would like to thank Mark for his contribution over the last four years and wish him well on his retirement when the time comes.”
