Sir David Nicholson KCB CBE is a public policy analyst, forthcoming Chair of Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, current Chair of Worcestershire acute hospitals NHS trust and NHS manager who was Chief Executive of the National Health Service in England. He was appointed in October 2011 following the NHS reforms, having been seventh Chief executive of the NHS within the Department of Health since September 2006. He issued what has become known as the "Nicholson challenge" regarding the finances of the NHS. He retired from the role on 1 April 2014.