£40m charity unveils next chief executive

The Royal College of Physicians has appointed Jonathan Brüün as its next chief executive.

Brüün will join the RCP from the Royal College of Anaesthetists, where he has been chief executive since 2020.

He succeeds Ian Bullock, who stepped down in March after 15 years with the charity to become chief executive of the Christian charity the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer.

Before moving to the Royal College of Anaesthetists, Brüün was chief executive of the British Pharmacological Society, having joined the charity in 2009 as its head of communications before becoming its director of communications in 2011 and then its chief executive between 2012 and 2019.

The RCP, which had an income of £42.5m in 2023, provides education, training and support to physicians in the UK and overseas.

Brüün, who will join the charity in January, said: “Through every conversation I’ve had in the appointment process, I have been struck by the shared commitment to the college’s principles and values, but also a wholehearted determination to address its challenges.

“I’m looking forward to contributing to that effort, and to leading the team of employees who I know will be committed to delivering in a proactive, diligent and effective way in the years ahead.”

Bullock, who spent nine years as chief executive of the charity, having joined as chief operating officer in 2009, said: “To say that my time at the college has been a privilege would be an understatement.

“I have never taken the role for granted and, despite facing challenges at times over the last eight years, I have remained firm in my belief that the RCP is a special place to work that offers a great opportunity to make a difference.

“My vision as CEO was to create a values-led organisation where fellows, members and staff are appreciated, heard and have a voice in delivering the RCP’s core charitable purpose, which is better health for all. 

“I hope I have gone some way to realising this vision.”

Tom Baker, executive director of education, and Catherine Powell, executive director of finance at the RCP, became joint interim chief executives following Bullock’s departure in March.