Genomics England has announced the appointment of Julian Thomas into the new role of Chief Technology and Product Officer.
Julian joins with over 20 years’ experience leading technology and product teams through strategic leadership and hands-on delivery, including for NHS Digital and the UK Health Security Agency. In the latter, he led a team of over 600 professionals in delivering essential digital services and clinical result data flows during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He has also held key roles in the publishing, arts and consulting sectors, delivering high scale digital products.
The Chief Technology and Product Officer is a newly created role to further ensure Genomics England has a solid and secure technology and product offering as the expected impact of genomics scales in the coming years. In his role, Julian will be responsible for Genomics England building and running products and technology that deliver maximum impact for patients and participants as well as partners in research, industry and the NHS.
Dr Rich Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Genomics England, commented: "We are delighted to welcome Julian. He brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for the technology and product space – all of which will be invaluable as we embark on the next phase of our journey as an organisation. It’s an incredibly exciting time with the prospect of genomics playing a role in up to half of all healthcare interactions by 2035. Julian’s arrival will help us build on our achievements to date and continue making genomics and its considerable benefits more accessible for all.”
Julian Thomas said: “I’m very excited to be joining the company at a time of tremendous opportunity. Genomics’ importance will continue to grow in the next 5 to 10 years and Genomics England’s technology and product offerings will play a big part in enabling that. I’ve seen first-hand how powerful and purposeful technology can be in the health sector and I’m thrilled to be working at the unique intersection of tech, science, and patient outcomes again. I’m looking forward to working with so many talented people to provide the digital systems for genomics to transform healthcare.”