Mike Bell has been announced as the chair of the new ICB created as a result of the merger between North Central London (NCL) and North West London (NWL) ICBs.
He will chair both NCL and NWL ICBs until the merger completes in April 2026, when the new ICB will become the largest in the country, serving 18 London boroughs and 4.5m people.
A merger between the two ICBs was confirmed in July.
Mr Bell was the chair of South West London ICB from May 2023 and has served as the chair of Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust since 2022. He is also the chair of the NHS London Trust, ICB and Health Innovation Network Chairs’ Network and the London Chair and NEDs Anchor and Sustainability Network.
He has 25 years of NHS board level experience including more than a decade on strategic health authority boards including as vice-chair of NHS London.
He is also the director of a research and consultancy company which works with central and local government and the NHS on issues relating to social and financial exclusion, and health inequalities.
Mr Bell said he was ‘thrilled’ to be taking up the role and to be working with NCL and NWL to ensure the merger is a success.
‘Both ICBs have a record of excellence that will stand us in good stead as we bring together the best of both organisations,’ he said.
He added: ‘I will work with the Exec teams to help make sure that we can fulfil our new role as strategic commissioners within the reduced financial envelope and ensure excellent health services for local residents, that meets their needs and delivers better health outcomes for them. I look forward to meeting staff and working closely with the joint Executive Team and partners.’
