Group chief finance officer appointed
New group chief finance officer appointed following open recruitment process.
We are pleased to announce that Angela van der Lem has been appointed as the next group chief finance officer of Barts Health. She is set to take on her new role from 1 April 2027 with Paresh Patel returning to his role as deputy group director of finance - operations.
Paresh Patel is currently acting as interim chief finance officer following Hardev Virdee's departure.
Angela joins Barts Health from East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust (EKHUFT), where she was appointed its chief finance officer in November 2024.
Angela brings more than 25 years experience as a career public servant, with roles spanning Central Government departments and agencies including Ministry of Justice, Her Majesty's Court and Tribunals Services, the Ministry of Defence, the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury where she was responsible for NHS spending.
Angela also brings valuable non-executive experience, serving on the Government Internal Audit and Assurance's (GIAA) Audit and Risk Committee from 2022-2024. She has also been serving on the National Finance Leadership Council since January 2026, helping to shape the development of the finance, digital and procurement professions, supporting workforce recruitment and retention across the NHS.
On the appointment, Angela said:
"I feel so privileged and am absolutely delighted to be joining Barts Health in 2027.
"I am looking forward to hearing, learning and thinking about how I can best support all my new colleagues and the amazing staff working right across the Group to tackle challenges and achieve its goals in providing the best possible care for patients."
Shane DeGaris, group chief executive, said:
“I’m delighted to welcome Angela to Barts Health as our new group chief finance officer. She brings extensive experience from across the public sector and an impressive track record of financial leadership. I’m really pleased she is joining the Trust and look forward to working alongside her as part of our executive team.
“I also want to thank Paresh Patel for stepping up into the role of interim chief finance officer. His leadership and support is hugely appreciated."