MDDUS appoints new chief executive as Chris Kenny steps down after 11 years at the helm

The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) has appointed Raman Sankaran as Chief Executive, succeeding Chris Kenny, who will step down after eleven years in post.

The appointment comes as MDDUS continues to build its work on doctor wellbeing and NHS workforce sustainability, including its Wellbeing by Design report, which has informed debate on doctor retention, patient safety and working conditions.

Mr Kenny leaves the Glasgow-based mutual having overseen a period of growth in membership and stronger external voice on issues affecting clinicians, including MDDUS’ contribution to the wellbeing agenda.

Mr Sankaran, who joins MDDUS from financial services, said: “Supporting doctors and dentists to work safely and sustainably is central to what MDDUS does.

“As we head towards the Scottish election in May, there is a clear opportunity for a new Scottish government to build on the work already underway in this field and ensure it translates into practical improvements in day-to-day working conditions for our members.”

Wellbeing by Design was published in March and authored by an expert panel including senior figures from Royal Colleges, the BMA and academia.

Prof Iain Cameron, the Chair of MDDUS, said: “At this time of change for MDDUS, I want to thank Chris for his unstinting dedication over the last eleven years and the energy, expertise and passion he has brought to the role of chief executive.

“Under his leadership, MDDUS has seen strong growth in membership, expanded its services and maintained a robust financial position to become a dynamic, competitive and compelling organisation.

“While Chris will be missed, the Board and I are delighted to have found an outstanding successor in Raman, as we look forward to celebrating MDDUS’ 125^th anniversary next year.

“Thanks to the hard work of Chris and the whole MDDUS team, Raman joins us when we are in our strongest position to support our existing members and welcome more to join us.”

Commenting on his departure, Mr Kenny said: “It has been an enormous privilege to lead MDDUS over the last eleven years, working with people who are both expert in their field and passionate about what they do.

“Looking back, I am particularly proud of the work we did during the pandemic to support our members, leading in our market to make it as simple and easy as possible to practice under extraordinary pressure.

“I am also personally pleased that we have modernised our workplaces, become a more diverse organisation, made positive strides towards our Net Zero ambition and substantially improved visibility and reputation through dynamic and campaigning public affairs and communications.”

Mr Sankaran said: “It is a privilege to take on the responsibility of leading another mutual organisation. I am looking forward to working with colleagues, while getting to know the many stakeholders who help and support MDDUS to make a positive difference for our members into the future.

“I would also like to thank Chris for everything that he has done in leading MDDUS to where it is today.

“It has been an honour to work for the Veterinary Defence Society and the members it supports, and I will be sad to move on. However, I know I leave a great opportunity there for someone to lead it to the next stage of its future.”

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