The leader of Oxford University Hospitals is departing after seven years in the position.

Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery will step down from the trust board at the end of March, having been named as NHS England South East Regional Chair, a post commencing on April 1.

In a communication to employees, Mr Montgomery stated that serving as Chair of OUH for the past seven years had been both a privilege and an honour.

He described OUH as an exceptionally special organisation with common values and a OneTeamOneOUH ethos that underpins all operations.

He added that he had been fortunate to encounter many staff members and learn about the extraordinary work carried out daily to enhance patients’ lives throughout the trust.

Mr Montgomery, whose term was originally scheduled to conclude in March 2027, indicated that the process of finding his replacement had already begun.

He further disclosed that vice-chair Sarah Hordern would assume the role of interim chair pending a permanent appointment.

Another development at the trust involves Professor Meghana Pandit, the permanent chief executive officer, who will extend her attachment to NHS England until October 2026.

She was recently given a new position as deputy chief executive officer of NHS England.

Professor Pandit has held the role of co-national medical director for secondary care since April 2025, and under modified arrangements she will split her duties equally between NHS England and Oxford University Hospitals.

Simon Crowther will continue as interim chief executive officer until October 2026, maintaining leadership of the trust throughout Professor Pandit’s prolonged secondment.