The government has announced the appointment of Lawrence Tallon as the new Chief Executive Officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Following an extensive recruitment process, Mr Tallon will begin the role from 1 April 2025.
He will succeed Dame June Raine DBE who is retiring and has led the organisation since 2019, having steered the MHRA through the COVID-19 pandemic and the UK’s exit from the European Union.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “I’m delighted to appoint Lawrence Tallon as CEO, marking an important new chapter for the MHRA. MHRA’s work is mission critical to making the NHS fit for the future. There is a revolution taking place in life sciences, with new innovative medicines developed more frequently than ever before. We need the MHRA to work much faster so patients can benefit as soon as possible, and I’m confident that Lawrence is the man for the job.
“The agency plays a crucial role in protecting public health and promoting medical innovation and, under Lawrence’s leadership, I am confident it will continue to be a world-leading regulator. I want to thank Dame June and wish her all the best in her retirement.”
Throughout his career, Mr Tallon has demonstrated a strong commitment to healthcare innovation and patient safety. He is currently Deputy Chief Executive at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, where he has served since March 2020. He is also managing director of the Shelford Group, which represents some of England’s leading NHS teaching hospitals. This experience has given him valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing modern healthcare systems.
Prior to this he served as Director of Strategy, Planning and Performance at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and worked within the Department of Health and Social Care alongside ministers and NHS leaders.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for the MHRA as it continues to enhance its position as a sovereign regulator and strengthen its international partnerships. Mr Tallon will lead the organisation’s work to accelerate patient access to innovative medicines and medical devices while maintaining the highest standards of safety and effectiveness.