The Royal College of Ophthalmologists announces appointment of Ali Rivett as its new Chief Executive

  • 03 May 2023
  • RCOphth Communications

Ali Rivett joins the RCOphth from the British Society for Rheumatology (BSR), where he oversaw a period of sustained improvement and growth, helping to support an increasingly diverse, multidisciplinary membership across the UK and overseas.

Ali has over 15 years’ experience of working at senior levels in the healthcare sector and joined the BSR in 2013, having held previous policy and committee roles at the British Medical Association.

Bernie Chang, RCOphth President, who presided over the recruitment for the Chief Executive position said, ‘We are delighted with the appointment.  Ali showed a great knowledge and understanding of the health sector and importantly the challenges facing membership bodies. We were particularly impressed with his achievements at the BSR in the development of strategy and staff inclusion.’

Ali will be leading the new strategic planning process as one of his first priorities and commented, ‘I’m delighted to be joining the College and thrilled to lead the organisation at such an important time. With a new strategy on the horizon, I look forward to working with everyone to shape how we can best support the specialty in the coming years.’

Ali will be joining The Royal College of Ophthalmologists on the 5 June 2023.  Kathy Evans, the current Chief Executive will be retiring on the 24 May, after 26 years’ service and we would like to take this opportunity to thank Kathy for her commitment, experience and leadership and wish her the best in her well-deserved retirement.

During the short interim period, the RCOphth Executive Team will manage business continuity matters.