Val Gooding to retire in her 10th year - Ray King named as successor

Edited by the Insidemoneytalk editorial team Feb 18, 2008

BUPA's chief executive Val Gooding has announced she is to retire at the company's AGM in May. Miss Gooding has been CEO since 1998.

She is to be succeeded by Ray King, who joined the group as finance director in 2001.

Lord Leitch, BUPA's chairman, said: "Val Gooding has transformed the business in her time as CEO.

The group has more than doubled its turnover to over £4 billion, doubled its customer base to eight million, consistently delivered double digit growth in surpluses and established a reputation for excellent customer service.

"Under her leadership BUPA has grown its home market and its diversification strategy has driven significant expansion of health and care services in Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Denmark, and the US.

She will leave the group in excellent health, with a sound strategy and huge potential for future growth.

"I am pleased we have a successor of Ray King's calibre.

His wealth of experience in several sectors, and the continuity he will bring, will ensure our focus remains firmly on customers, on growth and on helping people live longer and healthier lives".