The annual HSJ list of top 50 provider trust CEOs is judged by a panel of senior and respected healthcare leaders.
Judges are asked to choose the top 50 based on the performance of the organisation run by the CEO, their contribution to the wider healthcare system, and the personal example they set to peers and employees.
The focus was on their likely impact during the next 12 months, although past performance was taken into account.
This year’s judges included Health Education England CEO Navina Evans, NHS Providers CEO Sir Julian Hartley, NHS England Chief Operating Officer Sir David Sloman, and Donna Ockenden, Chair of the independent review into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust.
The judging panel for 2023 were asked to rank the top 18 CEOs. Paul has been named no.7 on the list.
He was named as one of four runners-up on the list for 2022.
"I'm delighted to once again be on the top 10 list,” he said.
“This wouldn't be possible without the support of our wonderful staff at ELFT and is a recognition of their work."
Eileen Taylor, joint Chair across ELFT and North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT), said: “This is great recognition for Paul who leads ELFT with humility and the passion to improve the lives of the people we serve.
“His values based leadership and collaborative work across East London, Bedfordshire and Luton is making a real difference. We are fortunate to have him.”
Paul joined the Trust in March 2017 as chief operating officer and was appointed as Deputy Chief Executive in December 2019 and interim Chief Executive in October 2020. He was appointed as Chief Executive in March 2021.