New executive director for the Alex

Simon Shepherd has joined BMI Healthcare as executive director of its flagship Alexandra Hospital, in Cheadle, Greater Manchester.

Mr Shepherd has 15 years’ senior leadership experience in the healthcare sector, and was previously managing director of Reproductive Health Group, a Warrington-based provider of fertility and gynaecology services which he co-founded.

He began his career as a marketing graduate trainee at Esso Petroleum and worked at Yates Group then Oasis Healthcare before joining Nuffield Health, where he was the director of the Wessex Hospital in Eastleigh, Hampshire, and The Grosvenor Hospital in Chester.

BMI’s Alexandra Hospital is the largest private hospital outside of London and is currently preparing to embark on a major investment programme.

Commenting on his new role, Mr Shepherd said: ‘I’m delighted to join the Alex at such an exciting time in its 35-year history. I’ve been very impressed with the commitment of all the team here and the very high standards that they achieve.

‘We have ambitious plans for the Alex in an increasingly competitive market and we remain very confident about the future.’