Group Chief Executive Louise appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey | News

Louise Stead, Group Chief Executive of Royal Surrey and Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, has been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey.

In this honorary role, Louise will join a distinguished group of individuals supporting the Lord-Lieutenant in carrying out ceremonial and community duties on behalf of the King. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she will represent the Lord-Lieutenant at local events, royal visits and civic ceremonies, helping to present honours and awards and support charities and voluntary organisations.

Louise said: “I am delighted to have been appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey. It is a tremendous honour and I’m sure it will complement my work in healthcare leadership by providing an opportunity to further strengthen my connections with local communities and organisations.”

Louise has served as Chief Executive of Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust for the past eight years, during which time the Trust achieved an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission. In 2025, she became Group Chief Executive, extending her leadership responsibilities to include Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. She has also been recognised nationally, appearing in the Health Service Journal’s top 50 list of leading NHS Trust chief executives for four consecutive years.

The role of Deputy Lieutenant is honorary and unpaid. Appointments are typically made to individuals who have made significant contributions to public life and their local communities through leadership, service and achievement across sectors including healthcare, business, education, the military and the voluntary sector.