Change at the top for the Health Innovation Network

Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber’s chief executive has passed on the baton after concluding his term as executive chair of the national Health Innovation Network.

Richard Stubbs has returned to his Yorkshire and Humber role full time, following two years as national chair overseeing all 15 regional networks, and three years previously as vice chair. 

He is succeeded by Professor Ben Bridgewater, chief executive of Health Innovation Manchester.

The 15 regional health innovation networks, collaborating as the Health Innovation Network, support health and social care teams in finding, testing, and implementing new solutions at scale to tackle the NHS’ biggest challenges and drive economic growth.

Richard said: "It has been an interesting and important period for health innovation and the NHS in general, especially given the general election, new Government and the creation of a new 10 Year Health Plan.

“It has been an honour to lead the Network during this time, and in particular to work closely with Government to help cement health innovation as one of the key enablers of an improved health service and a catalyst for UK economic growth.”   

“As our most recent impact report demonstrates, the value of health innovation on patients and the economy is huge: with our collective endeavours benefiting one million patients, leveraging almost £500 million through our support to innovators, and creating or safeguarding over 900 jobs in 2024/25. 

“I’m hugely looking forward to returning to my Yorkshire and Humber role and helping to champion the strengths of God’s Own County and the wider Northern region.”  

Ben added: “Innovation is central to the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan and Life Sciences Sector plans, with the health innovation networks acknowledged as a key delivery partner for both. 

“I am delighted to be stepping into the role of executive chair of the Health Innovation Network at this key moment for both us and the wider innovation ecosystem, and look forward to working collaboratively with colleagues across the Network, our commissioners at the Office for Life Sciences and NHS England, and our national partners across academia, industry and the third sector, to deliver impact for patients,  and the economy through innovation.” 

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →