Announcing Health Data Research UK’s new Board Members for 2025
27 January 2025
Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) is thrilled to start the year by welcoming three new members to our Board of Trustees.
Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) is delighted to welcome Anita Charlesworth, Haseeb Ahmad and Robina Shah to our Non-Executive Board of Trustees. Alongside our current board members, they will support the effective governance and development of the Institute alongside our Director.
About the Trustees
Anita is a health economist who has worked in government, pharmaceuticals and the third sector. She is currently the co-chair of the NHS Productivity Commission, an independent commission supported by the Health Foundation. At the Health Foundation she was previously Founding Director of Research and the REAL Centre (Research and Economic Analysis for the Long-Term). Anita has experience as a civil servant at HM Treasury, where she was Director of Public Spending. She holds an MSc in Health Economics from the University of York. Notably, Anita was awarded a CBE in The Queen’s 2017 Birthday Honours List for Services to Economics and Health Policy and is a fellow of the Academy of Social Science.
Haseeb is a senior leader in the biopharmaceutical industry with over 25 years of life sciences leadership experience and a distinguished record of building multi-billion dollar brands from primary care to rare disease, across mature and growth markets. He was most recently President for Novartis Europe having previously been President for Novartis Gene Therapies in the US. Throughout his career, Haseeb has built and led high-performing teams including at leading pharmaceutical companies. He is also a vocal advocate and industry ambassador for expanding access to innovative medicines.
Dame Robina Shah is a Consultant Chartered Psychologist and Professor of Medical Education and Psycho-Social Medicine at the University of Manchester. Over 30 years, she has championed the lived experiences of patients, carers, and service users. Robina is a prolific author and academic with expertise in psychosocial medicine, person-centred education, patient and public involvement, health equity, youth development, and supporting individuals with neurodivergent needs. She has held prominent chair and non-executive director roles across the NHS, social care, and the private sector. Robina was personally appointed by the late Queen as High Sheriff of Greater Manchester (2018–2019) and has been a Deputy Lieutenant since 2006. She was awarded the title of Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in HM The King’s New Year Honours List 2023 for her services to patient care.