Change at the top for the Health Innovation Network
Posted: 6th October 2025
Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber’s Chief Executive Richard Stubbs has passed on the baton after concluding his term as executive chair of the national Health Innovation Network.
Richard has returned to his Yorkshire & Humber role full time, after two years as the national chair, overseeing the work of all 15 regional networks, and before that, three years as vice chair. His successor is Professor Ben Bridgewater, Chief Executive of Health Innovation Manchester.
Richard Stubbs 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 £500m 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.”
New national Executive Chair Professor Ben Bridgewater said: “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.”
The 15 health innovation networks, who collaborate as the Health Innovation Network, support health and social care teams to find, test and implement new solutions at scale, to tackle the NHS’ greatest challenges and drive economic growth.