Circle Health Group appoints Owen James as Chief Operating Officer 

Circle Health Group has appointed Owen James as chief operating officer.

James (pictured), who takes up the post with immediate effect, joins from PortmanDentex, where he held senior positions including chief operating officer and managing director for UK & Ireland.

In his new role, he will take responsibility for operational and financial performance across Circle’s 54 hospitals, as well as patient satisfaction, growth initiatives and delivery of the commercial strategy. His arrival follows the recent appointment of chief commercial officer Will Rowberry, and is the second addition to the operating board since Paul Manning became CEO in July.

James previously served as an infantry officer in the Welsh Guards before roles at Boston Consulting Group and Waitrose, where he worked in strategy as well as pricing and promotions.

‘Circle Health Group is internationally recognised as one of the UK’s leading private hospital operators,’ said James. ‘I am honoured to be joining an extremely talented team at what is a pivotal moment in the organisation’s history.’

Commenting on his appointment, Manning added: ‘It’s great to have Owen with us for the next chapter of Circle’s story. Not only is he an extremely experienced and talented operational leader but he brings with him a diverse set of skills and knowledge that will strengthen the organisation as we look to become more competitive commercially and operationally.’