Health charity chief retires after decade at the helm

The chief executive of Imperial Health Charity, Ian Lush OBE will be retiring at the end of July 2025 after more than ten years at the helm, the organisation has announced.

He has led the charity since 2014, and has described the role as ‘the greatest privilege’ of his career.

Under his leadership, the charity – which supports the five hospitals of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust – has "grown significantly" in terms of size and ambition.

He played a "critical" role in leading the charity’s efforts to support the Trust throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and, as chairman of NHS Charities Together – the umbrella organisation representing over 230 local NHS charities in the UK – oversaw the successful Covid-19 Appeal, which raised more than £150 million.

In 2020 he was awarded an OBE for charitable services to the NHS.

Lush said: “After more than ten years in this wonderful job, it has not been an easy decision to retire, but I feel it is the right time for me, and – with a new Chairman, a strong Board of Trustees, and a great leadership team in place – the right time for the Charity as well.

“This role has been the greatest privilege of my long career; it has been a source of constant and considerable pride to know the difference we’ve been able to make for the staff and patients of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust over the last ten years. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the Trust and the Charity with someone new at the helm.”

“Under his tenure the charity has gone from strength to strength, and is well set up for success under the leadership of a new Chief Executive.”

Lush joined the charity as Chief Executive in December 2014, having previously led the Architectural Heritage Fund for 11 years. Following an MA in music at the University of York, Ian started his career as a viola player with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, later moving into arts management, including as Marketing Director at the Barbican Centre, and Managing Director of the London Mozart Players.

Lush looks forward to spending more time with his family, including cavapoochon Toby, playing tennis and supporting his beloved Chelsea FC when he steps down in the summer.

Recruitment for Imperial Health Charity’s new Chief Executive will be supported by Saxton Bampfylde.