Richard Murray to step down as Chief Executive of The King’s Fund later this year

Richard Murray, Chief Executive of The King’s Fund, has announced that he will step down from his role leading the health and care charity later this year.

Richard joined The King’s Fund in 2014 as the organisation’s Director of Policy. By the time he steps down, Richard will have served as chief executive for five years, having taken on the role in January 2019. After a career in health and care spanning four decades, Richard is now retiring so he can spend more time with his family and friends.

Commenting on his announcement, Richard Murray said:

‘It has been a real honour to serve as Chief Executive of The King’s Fund. In the role, and throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with expert colleagues on some of the most important issues facing the nation.

‘Health and care services, and the people who rely on them, are facing the most difficult circumstances I can remember. But I have met many talented people working in this sector, and I have seen services rebuild from deep challenges in the past. I will be leaving this role with hope for the future.

‘Having dedicated my career to working in this sector, I now look forward to spending more time with my family and friends and starting a new adventure. I will leave The King’s Fund comfortable in the knowledge that the organisation is led by such expert, caring and committed colleagues.

Chair of The King’s Fund Board of Trustees, Lord Kakkar, said:

‘Richard’s leadership of The King’s Fund has had a profound impact on the delivery of health and care in our country. His broad knowledge and strong values have been a major asset to The King’s Fund and he will leave the organisation in a stronger position to continue our mission.

‘Richard will be very much missed by his colleagues, and the Board of Trustees wish to thank him for his relentless hard work. We have now begun the process of recruiting his successor.’

Prior to joining The King’s Fund, Richard was chief analyst at NHS England and previously held a number of roles at the Department of Health, including Director of Strategy, Director of Financial Planning and Chief Economist. Richard initially trained as an economist and spent five years in academia before joining the Department of Health as an economic adviser.

Richard will remain in post until he steps down as Chief Executive of The King’s Fund later in 2023.

Notes to editors

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The King's Fund is an independent charity working to improve health and care in England. We help to shape policy and practice through research and analysis; develop individuals, teams and organisations; promote understanding of the health and social care system; and bring people together to learn, share knowledge and debate. Our vision is that the best possible health and care is available to all.