The insurer said Rowe intends to devote more time to projects in health reform and medical leadership outside the organisation.
Rowe, who has a background in clinical practice and medical governance, has worked with Bupa’s internal clinical teams since joining the board. Her role included oversight of governance structures designed to support health outcomes.
Board chair Tony Johnson said Rowe’s expertise had contributed to the company’s governance work.
“I, along with my fellow directors and Bupa’s executive leadership team, wish Leanne well and thank her for her contribution to Bupa, her dedication to clinical governance and care, and for sharing her extensive clinical leadership with us,” he said.
The company indicated that a new board appointment would be announced in the coming months.
In a separate development, Bupa confirmed that Asia-Pacific chief people officer Kate Dee had left the company after a seven-year tenure. She will take up a new role outside the organisation.
Dee’s responsibilities included oversight of workforce strategy, diversity initiatives, and employee engagement. She was a member of the regional executive team during a period that included the COVID-19 pandemic and wider sector transition.
Nick Stone, CEO of Bupa Asia-Pacific, said Dee had played a central role in guiding the workforce during change.
“[She] has nurtured our purpose-driven culture, led advancements in the way we foster our talent and our leadership pipeline, championed the career progression of women, and our leading position in psychological safety,” he said.
He added that the organisation would continue to prioritise staff experience and succession planning following her departure.
Alongside the leadership updates, Bupa released results for the 2024 financial year, reporting revenue of £16.9 billion, up 16% compared with the prior year. Underlying profit before tax rose 59% to £914 million.
Customer numbers grew to more than 60 million, with digital platforms a key driver. The company’s Blua service now supports about 7.5 million users worldwide.
Bupa said the expansion of digital health offerings and increased engagement formed part of its wider plan to broaden healthcare access and improve service delivery.
