Imperial College Health Partners has appointed Sir Peter Dixon as its new Chair.

Sir Peter takes up the post with immediate effect. The previous Chair, Lord Ara Darzi, stepped down in October 2013 to lead the London Health Commission.

Imperial College Health Partners brings together some of the world’s most respected health and academic institutions, including Imperial College London, all focused on delivering demonstrable improvements in the health and wellbeing of the 2.3 million people living in North West London. 

Sir Peter Dixon

The Partnership, which is also licensed as one of the 15 Academic Health Science Networks in England, works with industry and other sectors as well as patients, to identify new innovations and best practice and turn these into practical products and services that can be more readily adopted by the NHS to improve patient care.  

Sir Peter has an impressive track record as a chair with experience at a national level as well as a number of roles in the NHS. 

Delivering change

Talking about his new role, Sir Peter Dixon, Chair of Imperial College Health Partners, said: "I am honoured to have been appointed as Chair of Imperial College Health Partners. I have worked in the health sector for many years, and what has motivated me during that time is the ability to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of patients and their families. Imperial College Health Partners has the potential to make healthcare improvements on a large scale and this certainly attracted me to the role. 

“We have an opportunity to really do things differently for the population we serve – to work across organisational and geographical boundaries for the benefit of our patients and communities. 

“Delivering transformational change is by no means easy, but I am confident that Imperial College Health Partners can harness the skills, knowledge and motivation of a thriving health and research sector to make it happen. I look forward to working with Adrian, his team and the Board of Directors on a most exciting agenda.”

Sir Keith O’Nions, President of Imperial College London and a member of Imperial College Health Partners’ Board, said: “This is an excellent appointment and a coup for the Partnership. Peter Dixon’s stellar track record and talents make him an excellent successor to Ara Darzi’s outstanding chairmanship. With Peter’s guidance, Imperial College Health Partners will continue to improve the health, wellbeing and wealth of our region.”

On Sir Peter’s appointment, Managing Director of the Partnership, Dr Adrian Bull, said: “Lord Darzi led the establishment of Imperial College Health Partners and we were sorry that his other duties obliged him to step down from the role of Chair. However, I know I speak on behalf of the whole Board when I say that we are delighted Sir Peter Dixon has agreed to follow in Ara’s footsteps and steer us through the next phase of our development. 

“Sir Peter is an excellent chair who brings a wealth of experience from a range of sectors. I know he will make a real contribution to the work of the Partnership and our challenging work programme.”