Group Chief Executive ranked among the best in England | News

Louise Stead, Group Chief Executive of Royal Surrey and Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, has once again been named by the Health Service Journal (HSJ) as one of the top 50 Trust Chief Executives in England.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that Louise has earned her place on the prestigious list of healthcare leaders.

Louise has been Chief Executive at Royal Surrey for the past eight years, during which time she has led the Trust to be rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission. In 2025 she stepped into the role of Group Chief Executive, expanding her leadership to include Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Joss Bigmore, Group Chair, said: “Being recognised in the top 50 chief executives for four consecutive years is a significant achievement for Louise and a testament to her exceptional leadership, strategic vision and sustained dedication.

“Congratulations to Louise on this well-deserved recognition, which also reflects the impact she continues to make across the wider the health and social care system.”

Louise started off her career as a nurse in 1988 working across a variety of specialities in a number of London teaching hospitals. She became Chief Executive of Royal Surrey in 2018 and prior to this held roles as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Director of Nursing.

She has an MSc in Professional Practice (Leadership and Management), is a Visiting Professor at the University of Surrey and specialist advisor to the Care Quality Commission, participating in well-led reviews at other NHS trusts.

Louise chairs the Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance and co-chairs the National Cancer Alliance Leadership Forum. She is also the Acute Provider Partner Member of the NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board. 

Earlier this year, Louise was also invited to join a new national Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, which is chaired by the Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting.