Health Data Research UK has appointed Caroline Cake as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Director following a search that attracted significant interest from an international field of candidates.

Caroline joins Health Data Research UK on 8 October 2018 to direct and lead the strategic implementation and operational delivery of the Institute’s priorities.  She will co-ordinate effective collaborations between the government, the NHS, academia and industries across the UK and be at the forefront of establishing HDR UK as a world-class institute that harnesses revolutionary technology and data science to transform lives of patients and populations.

Caroline joins Health Data Research UK from 2020 Delivery, a leading public service management consultancy. In her role there as Director, Caroline has advised health organisations, universities and central government departments on strategy, transformation, capability building, and delivery planning. Prior to joining 2020 Delivery, Caroline worked at McKinsey & Company and at ICI as an Engineer.

With more than 20 years of experience working in commercial organisations Caroline has obtained a unique and deep understanding of important trends of research, innovation, commercialisation and transformational change as applied to health policy and clinical practice, both in the UK and internationally.

Professor Andrew Morris, Director of HDR UK, said:

“I am delighted that we have attracted a candidate with such strength in executive leadership, technology innovation and implementation, and strategic business management.  Caroline is committed to translating her unique set of knowledge and skills to her leadership position in Health Data Research UK and I look forward to welcoming Caroline to the team in October.”