Who could succeed Sir David as NHS England chief executive?

The search will soon formally begin for Sir David’s replacement, after he announced he would retire by March 2014. Sir David has indicated to HSJ he would step down before March 2014 if his successor wanted a clear run at the new role.

HSJ understands possible contenders include:

• KPMG global head of health Mark Britnell
• University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation Trust chief executive Dame Julie Moore
• UnitedHealth executive vice president Simon Stevens
• NHS Confederation chief executive Mike Farrar
• Public Health England chief executive Duncan Selbie
• NHS England medical director Sir Bruce Keogh
• Former NHS England deputy chief executive Ian Dalton, who recently left to join BT Global Health as president of global health
• NHS Trust Development Authority chief executive David Flory
• Care Quality Commission chief executive David Behan
• International patient safety expert, and former adviser to Barack Obama, Don Berwick

Former NHS London chief executive Dame Ruth Carnall, who is also the subject of speculation she could take on the role, confirmed to HSJ she would not be applying for the post when it is advertised.