Our leadership team
The Executive Leadership Team (ELT), led by our Chief Executive Officer James Sanderson, are responsible for the day-to-day running of Sue Ryder.
The role of the ELT is to lead the organisation; develop our yearly strategic goals and objectives; ensure that Sue Ryder runs efficiently and effectively on a day-to-day basis; and ensure we are compliant with all regulatory bodies.
The team reports regularly on the organisation’s progress to the Board of Trustees.
Sue Ryder's leadership team
James
Sanderson,
Chief
Executive
Officer
James Sanderson joined Sue Ryder as our Chief Executive in August 2024.
Melanie
Craig,
Chief
Operating
Officer
Melanie has over 20 years of senior leadership experience in the NHS, including as CEO of an Integrated Care System (ICS) and Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), and worked in the national team leading policy on General Practice and Primary Care.
Martin
Wildsmith,
Chief
Commercial
Officer
Martin joined Sue Ryder, taking up the Director of Retail and E-commerce role in June 2020. He was appointed Chief Commerical Officer in July 2023.
Jane
Turner,
Chief
Nursing
Officer
Jane joined Sue Ryder as Deputy Chief Nurse in 2015 and became Deputy Director of Nursing and Experience in April 2021. Jane became Sue Ryder's Chief Nursing Officer in August 2023.
Dr
Paul
Perkins,
Chief
Medical
Director
Paul has been Chief Medical Director since June 2019. He still works clinically two days a week as a consultant in Palliative Medicine based at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.
Rory
Blyth,
Chief
Finance
Officer
Rory is a Chartered Accountant whose career has spanned finance, operations and commercial leadership across the charity, public and retail sectors. He joined Sue Ryder as Chief Finance Officer in 2026.
More information and advice
About
Sue
Ryder
For over 70 years Sue Ryder's doctors, nurses and carers have given people the compassion and expert care they need to help them live the best life they possibly can.
How
we
make
an
impact
How we are making a difference by providing vital care and support to people going through the most difficult times of their lives.
How
we
work
Read about our vision, strategy and the values that guide everything we do.