Prof Bridgewater brings extensive experience as a former cardiac surgeon, clinical leader and innovator, with a track record of delivering national policy, leading digital transformation, and forging major NHS-industry partnerships.  

Since 2018, Prof Bridgewater has led Health Innovation Manchester through a period of growth and transformation, securing significant external investment and delivering nationally recognised programmes, such as the Greater Manchester Care Record and pioneering work in obesity care. He will continue in his role, while also taking up national responsibilities on behalf of the network.

As executive chair, he will focus on strengthening the network's national influence and impact.

Prof Bridgewater said: ‘This is a pivotal moment for the Health Innovation Network. To meet the needs of patients, health systems and the UK economy, we must continue to sharpen our focus, raise our ambition and deliver a step change in impact. 

‘The 10-Year Health Plan and Life Science Sector Plans have set ambitions to transform health services, to improve health outcomes, drive economic growth and establish the UK as a global powerhouse for health and life sciences. The 15 health innovation networks have been acknowledged as a key part of the future of the health innovation landscape.'

Fiona Driscoll, non-executive chair of the Health Innovation Network, added: ‘Ben brings with him a wealth of expertise in digital transformation and clinical leadership. There is no doubt the experience he has gained building the Greater Manchester Shared Care Record and brokering industry partnerships to deliver obesity transformation across Manchester, will help drive the network forward.'

The network executive chair is appointed every two years from among the 15 local network chief officers. 

Richard Stubbs, chief executive of Health Innovation Yorkshire and Humber, held the post during the last term and will continue in his local role.

He said: ‘It has been an honour to work at a national level over the last five years, both in my role as vice chair and then more recently as chair, representing the network on working groups for the innovation ecosystem programme and the 10-Year Health Plan.

‘As I hand over to Ben, I look forward to continuing to champion the need to focus on the implementation of innovation in my substantive role.'