King’s appoints new Chief People Officer

25 June 2025 - Damian McGuinness has been appointed to the role of Chief People Officer at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Damian joins us from the London Ambulance Service, where he has led the People and Culture Directorate since 2021.

Prior to that, Damian was at Barts Heath NHS Trust, where he served as Director of People at The Royal London and Mile End Hospitals.

Damian has significant experience of the NHS in London, having worked in HR and organisational development roles within acute, mental health and commissioning trusts for more than two decades.

In 2024, Damian was named ‘People Leader of the Year’ by the Healthcare People Management Association (HPMA). In addition, his People and Culture team was honoured with the ‘People Team of the Year’ 2024 award.

Speaking about his appointment, Damian 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.”

Damian will become Chief People Officer at King’s on 1 September 2025, as Mark Preston, our current Chief People Officer at the Trust, is retiring later this year.

Professor Clive Kay, Chief Executive at King’s, said, “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.”

Damian’s remit at King’s will also 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.