Key Takeaways
- Julian Hunt appointed as interim director general for technology at the DHSC, bringing significant experience from PwC, IBM, and Deloitte.
- Jane Dwelly becomes chair of the Federation for Informatics Professionals, emphasizing the need for digital leadership in healthcare.
- Several NHS leaders are retiring or stepping down, including Matthew Hopkins and Mark Fisher, amid changes in the health sector.
Leadership Changes in Healthcare
Julian Hunt has been appointed as the interim director general for technology, digital, and data at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). Previously serving as the health services lead at PwC, Hunt has earned a reputation through his work at notable organizations like IBM and Deloitte. He will become the national technology lead for the NHS, joining a new executive team with NHS England.
In another significant appointment, Jane Dwelly, VP of international at the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives, has been named chair of the Federation for Informatics Professionals. Dwelly expressed her commitment to enhancing digital leadership within the NHS and broader health systems at a critical juncture for healthcare.
Professor Ben Bridgewater has taken the role of executive chair of the Health Innovation Network, which represents England’s 15 regional health innovation networks. This appointment comes as he continues his position as chief executive of Health Innovation Manchester. He succeeds Richard Stubbs, who concluded his two-year term as chair.
Tom Cahill is transitioning from his role as national lead for learning disability and autism at NHS England to take on the chair position at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust starting January 2026.
In operational changes, Cleveland Henry announced his new position as interim chief operations officer at Optum UK, which is set to sponsor Digital Health Rewired 2026. Additionally, Sir John Oldham is stepping down from his role as neighbourhood health lead for Wes Streeting after less than a year, following the launch of a national neighborhood health implementation program.
Richard Meddings, the former chair of NHS England, now assumes the chair position at Birmingham Health Partners, which combines multiple NHS trusts and local universities in Birmingham. Meddings had been with NHS England since 2021 but stepped down in March 2025.
Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, will retire later this year due to family health issues. He plans to focus on his family after a distinguished 40-year career in the NHS. Similarly, Mark Fisher, the chief executive of Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board, also announced his retirement after more than four decades of public service.
In research leadership, Professor Chris McDermott has been appointed as the new director of the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre. This center is a collaboration between Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Sheffield.
In technological advancements, Healthcode has named its first Clinical Safety Officer (CSO), Dr. Patrick Lester, who will manage clinical risk for their new Prescribing solution and other digital healthcare products. This role is vital for ensuring the safety and robustness of digital health technologies.
Overall, these leadership appointments and transitions indicate significant progress and ongoing changes within the NHS, highlighting the importance of technology and innovation in healthcare.
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