RCGP appoints Mark Thomas as chief executive to secure stability during reform

The Royal College of General Practitioners has appointed Mark Thomas as its new chief executive, the College announced in mid‑August. Mr Thomas, who has been serving as interim chief executive since Chris Askew’s departure at the end of July, will take up the substantive post in September, according to the College’s statement. The appointment is being presented as a move to ensure stability at a time of sustained pressure on general practice and continued reform across the NHS.

Mr Thomas has been at the RCGP since 2011, joining as head of policy and rising to his current role as executive director of policy and communications in December 2017. His portfolio at the College has covered devolved councils, policy and campaigns, corporate communications and international work; the leadership profile highlights his role in national campaigning and in shaping the College’s strategic priorities alongside successive chairs of council. According to the announcement, those responsibilities are expected to inform his approach as chief executive, with an emphasis on strengthening the College’s support for members and its policy influence.

Before joining the College, Mr Thomas worked in public policy and campaigning at organisations including the trade union Unison, housing charity Shelter and the Confederation of British Industry. His experience in public affairs and mobilisation is regularly cited by the College as an asset for its advocacy work — including past contributions to national programmes such as the GP Forward View and high‑profile campaigns aimed at protecting general practice capacity. Industry observers say that background will be important as the RCGP seeks to maintain an influential voice with government and system partners on workforce, funding and primary‑care reform.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Thomas said in the College announcement that he was “hugely honoured to take on the role… at this critical moment for the profession” and pledged to work with staff, officers and members to grow the College and “enhance our effectiveness in upholding the highest possible standards of patient care.” Professor Mike Holmes, chair of trustees, welcomed the appointment and said Mr Thomas’s policy experience and understanding of primary care would provide “stability, consistency and continuity” for members and staff — remarks included in the College’s release and quoted by sector press.

The leadership change follows the March announcement that Chris Askew would step down as chief executive at the end of July to pursue interim roles elsewhere in the not‑for‑profit sector; the College at that time underlined the board’s intention to secure a smooth transition. For association executives and trade bodies that work with the RCGP, the appointment signals continuity in advocacy priorities, even as the College adapts its structures and officer titles to align with other medical royal colleges.

One closely linked governance change is the election of Dr Victoria Tzortziou Brown as the next chair of council, due to take office in November; the College says the post will be retitled “president” in the coming months to mirror other royal colleges. Dr Tzortziou Brown’s election — she is an experienced East London GP and academic — completes a senior leadership refresh that will be watched closely by member organisations, commissioning bodies and ministers as the College seeks to navigate the twin challenges of workload pressure and service reform while continuing to represent and support GPs.