NHS Golden Jubilee has appointed Gordon James as its Interim Chief Executive, taking over from Professor Jann Gardner.

Gordon, currently NHS Scotland Deputy Chief Operating Officer within the Scottish Government’s Health and Social Care Directorate, will take up the post on 1 December 2022.

Gordon brings more than 20 years' experience in the private and public sector, senior management and leadership experience to the role.

Prior to joining the Scottish Government, he was Director of Procurement, Commissioning and Facilities at NHS National Services Scotland, Director of Health Facilities Scotland (HFS) and Director of Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection Scotland (ARHAI Scotland). He also led on the creation of NHS Scotland Assure.

Gordon was also an integral member of the NHS Louisa Jordan executive management team during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Chair of NHS Golden Jubilee, Susan Douglas-Scott CBE, said: “I am delighted to announce Gordon James’ appointment as Interim Chief Executive of NHS Golden Jubilee and we look forward to working with him over the coming months.

“Gordon brings significant expertise and experience from senior roles across the NHS and Scottish Government, making him the ideal choice to help NHS Golden Jubilee forward, continuing our evolution as a national asset for NHS Scotland.

“During Jann’s tenure we have accomplished some incredible things that reflect our national capability and ambition as part of the broader Scottish landscape.

 “I would like to thank Jann for her leadership and commitment and wish her well for the future.”

On his appointment, Gordon James said: “It is a privilege to be appointed Interim Chief Executive at an exciting but challenging time within our health service. 

“NHS Golden Jubilee has a great reputation for high quality patient care, and more recently has been has been supporting NHS Scotland through the NHS Scotland Academy and the national Centre for Sustainable Delivery – building a portfolio which is a true source of care, innovation and reform.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with colleagues and partners to continue NHS Golden Jubilee’s strong track record of successful expansion to support patients across Scotland.”

The appointment comes after NHS Golden Jubilee Chief Executive Professor Jann Gardner was appointed as Chief Executive of NHS Lanarkshire.

Outgoing Chief Executive Professor Jann Gardner, added: “For nearly 4 years it has been my honour and privilege to be Chief Executive of NHS Golden Jubilee and to work with all of our incredible team to lead us through the most challenging time the NHS has ever known.

“I cannot thank everyone enough for their support and tireless efforts to provide the highest standard of care possible for our patients from all across Scotland. I will now work with Gordon to make sure that NHS Golden Jubilee continues to be in the best position possible to thrive, expand and succeed for all of our patients, whose care is at the heart of everything we do.

“I have no doubt that NHS Golden Jubilee will be in safe hands under Gordon’s stewardship over the next few months and wish him every success.”

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