Simplyhealth appoints Sonya Bryson to lead workplace healthcare growth

Simplyhealth has appointed Sonya Bryson as managing director, as the healthcare provider looks to expand its workplace health offering and improve access to preventative healthcare.

Bryson is due to join the business today; 19 August 2026, subject to regulatory approval, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience in the insurance sector.

Her appointment comes as Simplyhealth focuses on reducing the cost and complexity that can prevent employees from accessing healthcare, with employers facing continued challenges around sickness absence.

The provider offers workplace services including 24/7 GP and mental health support, health cash plans and pay-as-you-go healthcare, including tests, scans and neurodiversity assessments.

Simplyhealth said improving access to healthcare could also help employers take a more preventative approach to workforce health, enabling employees to seek support earlier and potentially reducing the risk of conditions becoming more serious and contributing to longer periods of absence.

Bryson joins Simplyhealth from RSA Insurance Group, where she was managing director of a £1.5 billion commercial business.

She has previously held senior leadership roles at Direct Line Group and NIG, with experience spanning business transformation, product development, distribution and organisational change.

At Direct Line Group, Bryson helped introduce a more agile operating model intended to accelerate product development and support growth through multiple distribution channels. At NIG, she led its £400 million SME commercial business.

Paul Schreier, CEO at The Simplyhealth Group, said: ” Sonya brings a wealth of experience leading complex, regulated businesses, alongside a strong track record of delivering growth, transformation and customer-focused innovation.

“As we continue to evolve Simplyhealth and strengthen the value we provide to customers and partners, Sonya’s leadership will be instrumental in helping us deliver our long-term ambitions.”

Bryson said: “I’m very excited to be joining The Simplyhealth Group at such an important point in its journey. The ambition to improve access to healthcare and the opportunity to shape the future of Simplyhealth is incredibly compelling. I’m looking forward to working with the team to build on the strong foundations in place and deliver meaningful outcomes for our customers and partners.”

The appointment follows the recent appointment of Nick Tait as managing director of Denplan, which is also part of The Simplyhealth Group.

Simplyhealth supports more than two million customers and works with thousands of businesses and partners. Its workplace proposition focuses on providing employees with faster access to healthcare and supporting earlier intervention, with the aim of helping people remain healthy, stay in work and return sooner when they become unwell.