RCoA appoints Craig Jones as its new Chief Executive

Craig Jones Chief Executive Officer

The Royal College of Anaesthetists is pleased to announce the appointment of Craig Jones as our Chief Executive Officer.  

Craig has served as Chief Executive of the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) since 2020. During his tenure he has transformed the organisation into a highly effective health system influencer, securing national rollouts of diagnostic services across England and Wales while delivering a step change in public awareness of bone health. Under his leadership the charity has grown its income and membership and received three Third Sector Awards, including Best Charity.

Prior to his role at the Royal Osteoporosis Society, Craig was Director of Communications and Public Affairs at the Advertising Standards Authority, with earlier roles at the UK Cards Association and the Legal Services Board. He is currently a Trustee for the MND Association and was a Lay Trustee for the RCoA from 2018 to 2024. Craig will join the College in August 2026.  

Dr Claire Shannon, President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists said: 

"I look forward to welcoming Craig as our new CEO. He is joining the College at an exciting time, and his considerable expertise in leading charities and associations through periods of change will be invaluable as we move into our new home and next chapter”

“I also want to thank Sharon Drake who will continue to hold the position of Interim Chief Executive until Craig joins us in August.”  

Commenting on his appointment, Craig said: 

“Having previously served on the Board of the College, I’ve seen first-hand the vital role anaesthetists play at the heart of modern healthcare, ensuring patients are safe during surgery and leading high-quality perioperative care before, during and after operations."

"I’m honoured to be joining the College at such an important time for the NHS, and I look forward to working with anaesthetists across the UK to support their professionalism, advance patient safety and help deliver the best possible outcomes for patients.”