MHRA appoints Lawrence Tallon as CEO to lead its work in promoting medical innovation
The UK Government has announced the appointment of Lawrence Tallon as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Following an extensive recruitment process, Lawrence 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 MHRA through the COVID-19 pandemic and the UK’s exit from the European Union.
Wes Streeting, Health and Social Care Secretary, said: “I’m delighted to appoint Lawrence Tallon as Chief Executive Officer, marking an important new chapter for 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 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, Lawrence 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.
Professor Anthony Harnden, Chair of MHRA, said: “I am delighted to welcome Lawrence Tallon as the new MHRA Chief Executive.
“Lawrence is an impressive leader who brings with him a wealth of experience from across the healthcare sector, nationally and globally. I look forward to working with him to maintain the UK as a global centre of excellence in life sciences and strengthening safety systems in the best interests of patients and the public.
“I would also like to give enormous thanks to Dame June Raine, who is handing the baton on to Lawrence after more than five years of being MHRA CEO and nearly 40 illustrious years at the agency. June’s leadership and unwavering commitment to patient and public health cannot be overstated.”
The appointment comes at a crucial time for MHRA as it continues to enhance its position as a sovereign regulator and strengthen its international partnerships.
Lawrence 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.
MHRA is the UK’s regulator of medicines, medical devices and blood components for transfusion.
