NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group has confirmed the appointment of Leanne Cooper as Executive Managing Director of both Royal Liverpool University Hospital and Liverpool Women’s University Hospital.
Leanne brings more than 15 years of NHS leadership experience spanning operational and strategic roles.
She joins from Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, where she has served as Chief Operating Officer for the past three years.
Before that, she held the position of Deputy Chief Operating Officer at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.
Extensive NHS leadership experience
Throughout her career, Leanne has led wide-ranging improvement programmes across acute, community and system-wide services, including women’s and children’s healthcare.
Her portfolio has included oversight of urgent and emergency care performance, elective recovery programmes and major digital transformation initiatives.
She has also held executive responsibility for Electronic Patient Record implementation, alongside significant estates and safety schemes such as RAAC mitigation works and maternity service estate upgrades.
“An important and exciting time”
Following confirmation of her appointment, Leanne said:
“I am delighted to be joining the Group at such an important and exciting time.
“The establishment of the new Hospital Leadership Team for the Royal Liverpool and Liverpool Women’s University Hospitals represents a real opportunity to strengthen how we work together across both sites.
“I am very much looking forward to meeting colleagues, building relationships and supporting our teams as we continue to improve the quality of care and experience for our patients and communities.”
James Sumner, Group Chief Executive of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, added:
“We are delighted to have appointed Leanne, who will bring a wealth of operational and strategic leadership experience to this new role across the Royal Liverpool and Liverpool Women’s University Hospitals.
“Leanne’s extensive board level experience and focus on quality care will be of great value to the patients and staff across these two hospital sites within UHL Group.”
Leanne Cooper will officially begin her new role in June 2026.
