As it approaches its 25th anniversary, Medilink North of England Ltd (Medilink) has announced changes to its Executive Team, which will strengthen its ability to seize future opportunities and respond to the needs of the rapidly changing environment for healthcare delivery.
Kevin Kiely, the co-founder of Medilink, will step down from his role as CEO and take up a new position as Executive Chair, effective 1st January 2022. This move will enable Kevin to commit more time to his role as Medilink UK CEO, developing the national infrastructure and more effectively representing the life science industry.
Tom Elliott, Medilink’s International Director, will become Managing Director on 1st January 2022 and have responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the business and for strategic leadership, taking Medilink to the next chapter in its journey. Tom will continue to work alongside the international team on the delivery of all projects as well as having continued responsibility for the Medilink UK international strategy and exhibition programme.
These changes come as Gareth Lloyd Jones, who has been on the Medilink Board since its inception and has chaired it for nearly 25 years, has decided to step down at the end of 2021.
Commenting on the changes, Gareth Lloyd Jones said:
‘I joined the Board of Medilink at its inception in 1997 and assumed the role of Chairman in 2002. The broadening of the company’s remit from MedTech to Life Sciences, and the extension of its reach to embrace the whole of the North of England, has been a success and provides a solid platform for future growth.
I feel it is the right time for me to step down, knowing that Kevin Kiely will not only do an excellent job in chairing the Board but in consolidating the considerable achievements of the Medilink UK network. Likewise, I feel confident that Tom Elliott has the qualities required to lead Medilink North of England into the next phase of its development, over the next 25 years!’
Kevin Kiely said:
‘The lessons we learnt from the pandemic are now being harnessed to further accelerate transformation in healthcare delivery and Medilink must also continue to evolve to meet these needs.
My new role as part time Executive Chair will allow me to commit more time to developing the Medilink UK national infrastructure and to engage more effectively with government as post pandemic and post Brexit policies are being developed. I am confident that Tom Elliott will continue to be responsive to changing needs and lead Medilink to a new stage in its development.’
Tom Elliott said:
‘Having been a Medilink member before joining the team, I appreciate the dedication and commitment shown across the network in transforming healthcare and supporting our industry.
I am grateful in particular to Kevin but also our board and other colleagues for their support as I step in to the role of Managing Director. I am looking forward to leading an organisation that has nurtured the growth of our clients and members over the last two and a half decades. I am confident in our ability to extend our reach across the life science sector, as well as supporting the continued growth of the national Medilink UK network.’