Dr. Chaitanya Patel CBE FRCP is a British doctor and businessman who was till recently the Chief Executive of the Priory Healthcare group ,UK . Born in Uganda to Indian parents, he obtained medical qualifications at the University of Southampton in 1979 and formerly worked in the NHS.

For many years he has been involved in healthcare policy issues, working on numerous government task forces and action groups. He has received an Honorary Doctorate from the Open University. He is a keen supporter of Labour's Private Finance Initiative and is secretary to the Institute for Public Policy Research, a progressive think tank with close links to the Labour Party. In 1999 he was awarded a CBE for his services to the development of social care policies.

Chai is very involved in healthcare policy issues, is a Trustee of the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), a Senior Associate of the King's Fund, a member of the NHS Confederation Affiliate Forum and a founder member of the New Health Network. He is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal Society of Arts, a member of the Institute of Directors, a Companion of the Institute of Management and has received an Honorary Doctorate from the Open University.

In 1999 he was awarded a CBE for his services to the development of social care policies.

Chai has been a Trustee of The Windsor Leadership Trust since 2002. He feels the Trust is a unique organisation, bringing together leaders from all walks of life and at all different stages of leadership. It provides a powerful means of learning through structured work, interaction and reflection.
Dr Patel has spoken at a Consultation for Newly Appointed Strategic Leaders and has participated in several Strategic Leadership Consultations.