Professor Susan Hopkins is appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Expected to commence her new role in September, Professor Hopkins will take over from acting CEO Dyfed Alsop, who will revert to being Chief Operating Officer of UKHSA.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said: “Professor Hopkins has consistently provided outstanding leadership and expertise throughout a number of major public health challenges including COVID-19 and mpox. Her considerable experience and technical knowledge will be invaluable in the role of UKHSA CEO. I very much look forward to continuing working with Professor Hopkins in her new role.”
Professor Hopkins’ leadership will prove critical to UKHSA as it navigates the next period of health security challenges, as set out in its recent strategic plan 2023 to 2026. This includes vital work to prepare the nation for future health emergencies and to strengthen the UK’s overall ability to respond to potential crises.
Professor Hopkins commented: “It is my honour and privilege to become the CEO of UKHSA. I step into this role with humility, excitement and deep commitment to our mission - protecting people’s health and security, quietly, consistently and expertly. I’m incredibly proud of the work UKHSA does and of the world-class expertise we have right across the agency. My priorities are ensuring we continue to deliver excellence in health protection and security and strengthening our capabilities and systems to enhance how we support our communities.
Professor Susan Hopkins CBE FMedSci is an infectious disease clinician, epidemiologist and public health leader. She studied medicine at Trinity College Dublin and trained in infectious diseases, microbiology and epidemiology across Ireland, France and the UK. Professor Hopkins has played pivotal roles in the UK’s COVID-19 response, serving as Incident Director at Public Health England, Interim Chief Medical Adviser to NHS Test and Trace, and Strategic Response Director during the pandemic. From November 2021 she has served as Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA.
Susan is a fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Royal College of Physicians and Faculty of Public Health and honorary fellow of the Royal College of Pathology. She is the recipient of a CBE and Presidential Distinguished Service Award in Ireland for her work in public health. She remains clinically active as a consultant in infectious diseases and microbiology at the Royal Free Hospital London and Professor of Infectious Diseases and Health Security at University College London.