Simon Gerry

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT SIMON GERRY

I am a Chair, Non-Executive Director and former Chief Executive with over two decades of senior leadership experience across healthcare, higher education and the charity sector, including organisations operating at the interface with the NHS.My career has been focused on leading and governing complex, values-driven organisations — particularly those balancing public service purpose with commercial delivery, regulatory scrutiny and cultural change. I am known for bringing calm judgement, strategic clarity and a strong focus on people, culture and long-term sustainability.Currently, I serve as Chair of Synchronicity Care Limited, providing healthcare support services to NHS Trusts. In this role, I work closely with Boards and executive teams to shape strategy, strengthen governance, support innovation and ensure services are delivered safely, compassionately and effectively.Previously, I spent 16 years as Chief Executive of Newcastle University Students’ Union, where I led a multi-service charity with significant trading operations, large-scale estates responsibilities and a diverse workforce. During this time, the organisation consistently ranked in the UK’s top ten Students’ Unions, delivered award-winning services, completed a major capital refurbishment programme, and developed a strong reputation for enterprise, sustainability and student experience. In 2022 I was recognised as a Top 20 UK CEO by The CEO Publication.Alongside executive leadership roles, I have held positions as Managing Director, Trustee, Governor and Non-Executive Director, giving me a rounded perspective on Board dynamics, executive accountability and effective challenge; I also spent 2 years as a Management Consultant supporting Chairs, Boards and senior leaders who were navigating complexity, organisational change or governance transition. My areas of expertise include:Board and corporate governanceChair–CEO and Board–executive relationshipsHealth, higher education and charity leadershipOrganizational culture and leadership developmentEstates, facilities and large-scale project deliveryFinancial stewardship and sustainable growthI bring a pragmatic, thoughtful and people-centred approach, shaped by experience and grounded in the realities of leading organisations through challenge as well as success.