Neelam Patel, the Chief Executive of MedCity, has been appointed to join the HRA Board.
Neelam, who previously worked for the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) and has a diverse history of private and public sector experience, will join us as non-executive director in April next year.
MedCity is the health and life sciences cluster organisation for London and the greater south east of England, tasked with driving economic growth in the sector to place the UK at the centre of research and innovation globally.
Neelam PatelJoining the HRA at this really important time when life sciences are at the top of everyone’s agenda is hugely exciting. I believe that the HRA is a vital part of the ecosystem in getting the right innovations to the patient quickly. I hope that I can bring my experience of leading change in complex cross-sector environments to support the HRA during the next phase of its development.
Neelam was appointed following a competitive recruitment process and her position has been approved by the Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock.
Chair Professor Sir Terence StephensonNeelam’s role at MedCity follows many years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and the public sector, with a common thread of bringing more good quality clinical research into the UK for the benefit of patients and our economy. This experience will be incredibly valuable to the HRA and we’re delighted that Neelam has agreed to join us.
Her appointment also brings additional diversity to the HRA Board, helping us continue to work towards our ambition to be a more inclusive organisation.
Neelam will replace Graham Clarke who is the HRA’s longest serving non-executive director.
Professor Sir Terence Stephenson added:
Chair Professor Sir Terence StephensonWe are incredibly grateful to Graham for his service. He has been crucial in helping the organisation to prepare for the end of the transition period, especially in his role as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. We will miss him and we wish him well.
Neelam’s term officially begins in April next year.