On the 26th May, Sharmila Nebhrajani OBE was announced as NICE’s new chairman.
Sharmila was appointed by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care following an independent open recruitment process.
Sharmila’s background shows her having experience in industry, government and charity across a wide range of sectors. She began her business career as a management consultant and her most recent role was a Chief Executive of Wilton Park organising events on key issues including global health and international patient safety.
Her other roles saw her as the Chair of the Human Tissue Authority and she currently holds a non-executive role at the Health Foundation. She also spent 12 years at the BBC as Chief Operating Officer of BBC Future Media and Technology, overseeing the launch of the BBC iPlayer service.
Sharmila was made an OBE in 2014 for services to medical research.
Professor Gillian Leng, NICE chief executive, said “On behalf of the entire Board and staff at NICE, I am very pleased to welcome Sharmila to NICE. Her extensive experience in health and a wide range of other sectors, as well as her knowledge of NICE and the challenges it faces, will ensure that we’re in good hands as we move into the into the next exciting chapter of our development.”
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Tim Irish for his exemplary leadership during his tenure as interim chairman, and in particular for his significant role in helping NICE meet the unprecedented challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought.”
Sharmila Nebhrajani commented “I am delighted to be joining NICE at what is a critical juncture for patients, for the health and care system and indeed the country, as we collectively respond to COVID-19 and its aftermath.
“Often one is asked to take on a job that it is interesting; and sometimes to take on a job that is important.
“Becoming the chairman of NICE at this time is that rare thing – a role that is both supremely important and acutely interesting.
“NICE has had an immensely successful past with a deserved international reputation for rigorous evidence-based analysis.
“I am honoured to be appointed as only the third chairman since its foundation over 20 years ago, and to take on the task of working with its excellent senior management team and staff to prepare the organisation for the years ahead.”
