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Genomics England appoints two new Non-Executive Directors to its Board – to build strategic, medical and commercial strength

Genomics England has announced the appointment of two new Non-Executive members to its Board. Sir Ron Kerr and Keith Stewart bring a wealth of senior scientific, commercial and managerial experience to Genomics England − providing effective support for the strategic and operational leadership of the organisation.

Genomics England’s new Non-Executive Directors bring highly relevant professional expertise and the ability to engage with stakeholders at every level. They are tasked to ensure the on-going pace, innovation and impact of Genomics England’s pioneering work, helping to plan for the future as it progresses beyond the 100,000 Genomes Project:

Sir Ron Kerr is currently: a Special Adviser to the Board at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust – with a particular focus on commercial issues; Non-Executive Chair of the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP); Member, Board of Trustees, University of Bristol; and Member, Board of Trustees of the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity. His career spans 40 years – including CEO of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and senior leadership roles across the NHS. Sir Ron was knighted in 2011 for services to the NHS.

Keith Stewart brings an internationally recognised reputation as a leader in the field of genomics. He is currently: Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (US); Consultant – Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine (Mayo Clinic); Vasek and Anna Maria Polak Professor of Cancer Research (Mayo Clinic); Carlson and Nelson Endowed Director – Center for Individualized Medicine (Mayo Clinic); and Consultant – Department of Clinical Genomics (Mayo Clinic). Keith brings a focus on the clinical applications of genomics, sits on a number of scientific advisory boards and has considerable interest in business development activities – setting up two biotech start-ups and holding a number of patents.

Sir Ron Kerr and Keith Stewart join Genomics England at a critical moment. Between them they bring deep experience − of the NHS, cutting-edge genomic medicine and commercial opportunity. Their appointment to the Genomics England Board gives us invaluable insight – both as the NHS is on the cusp of introducing the world’s first genomic medicine service and we work to make the UK the global centre of genomics research, innovation and investment.

Sir John Chisholm

Genomics England Executive Chair

As someone who believes fundamentally in the value and potential of the NHS, I am delighted to join Genomics England. As a Non-Executive Director I hope I can provide some helpful insight and advice that will help to drive true transformation – harnessing that power of genomic medicine for the benefit of patients in the UK and around the world.

Sir Ron Kerr

Genomics England is an acknowledged global leader in the field of genomic medicine and I am excited by its potential. I will use my experience in translating genomic medicine in the clinic to help this groundbreaking organisation develop and grow ¬– creating new opportunities for patients, the NHS and the UK economy.

Keith Stewart

Media contact

[email protected]

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