East Midlands Academic Health Science Network (EMAHSN), which is playing a major role in transforming the health of the region’s 4.6m residents, has appointed a new Managing Director.

Professor Mike Hannay will join the EMAHSN from 1st August and will play a key role at the heart of the East Midlands’ healthcare system - working with partners across sectors to transform health services. Mike has more than 25 years’ experience of working in the pharmaceutical industry, with an excellent track record of building collaboration with healthcare and academia.

He joins EMAHSN from ThermoFisher Scientific, where he has worked since 2013 as Vice President for the UK BioPharma Services Division. That role built upon his significant experience both nationally and internationally, including Vice President of Medicines Development at AstraZeneca.

EMAHSN is one of 15 Academic Health Science Networks across England. Set up by the NHS in 2103, the AHSNs build partnerships in their areas between NHS organisations, social care, public health bodies, universities, third sector and healthcare industry – speeding up the identification and spread of innovation and supporting economic growth.

In his new role with EMAHSN, Mike will lead the organisation in helping to address some of the biggest health challenges facing the region, including cancer, diabetes, obesity and mental health.

“I am delighted to be taking up this challenge and am looking forward to joining a team that is passionate about healthcare innovation,” said Mike.

“The NHS is facing enormous challenges and EMAHSN has a key role to play in supporting our health and care partners to transform services for millions of patients throughout the region.”

EMAHSN Independent Chair Martin Hindle said: “Mike will be playing a central role at the very heart of our region’s healthcare system – continuing to build on our strong collaboration with our many partners throughout health, social care, academia and industry.

“By working closer together across each of these sectors we will seek to put innovative ideas into practice to bring about rapid and lasting improvements in the health and care of local people.”

Mike lives in Derby and is married with two grown-up children.

He will be taking over his new role from Professor Rachel Munton, who will retire at the end of July following a 38 year career dedicated to the NHS.

“Rachel has committed her entire career to improving services for patients,” added Martin Hindle. “As a result of her hard work and passion she will be leaving a robust and sustainable organisation with a dedicated team and a strong reputation for driving health service transformation.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

About EMAHSN:

• One of 15 Academic Health Science Networks in England, EMAHSN brings together the NHS, universities, industry and social care to transform the health of the region’s 4.6m residents and stimulate wealth. Priorities focus on innovations that address health challenges including obesity, diabetes, mental health and cancer

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