New Chief Operating Officer announced to lead NIHR Clinical Research Network West of England
Ifan Jones has been announced as the new Chief Operating Officer of the NIHR Clinical Research Network West of England (CRN WE).
Ifan brings a wealth of experience to the post having worked in clinical research for over 13 years. Before joining CRN WE in 2016 he previously worked in research delivery roles in Cancer, Stroke and Ophthalmology. Within the network he has led a number of workstreams and divisions before taking on his most recent role as Deputy Chief Operating Officer. Ifan, who will take up the role in September, will succeed Dr Sue Taylor who is retiring.
Ifan said: “It will be an honour to lead the network and support research across the NHS and wider health and social care system in the West of England. I’m excited to continue working with the incredibly talented and dedicated research workforce across the region.
“Through regional collaboration we’ve led the country in our delivery of Covid vaccine and treatment trials, the findings from which have gone on to benefit millions of people across the world. There are challenges ahead as we re-establish our non-Covid portfolio and expand into new areas, however I’m certain that, with our strong regional spirit of collaboration, we will flourish.”
Dr Kyla Thomas, Clinical Director for the CRN WE said: “I am thrilled that Ifan has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer. After working at the CRN for over five years, he has a wealth of experience and knowledge to bring to the role. I look forward to continuing to work closely with him to support our partner organisations and ensure we keep delivering high-quality research to participants in the West of England. Congratulations Ifan.”
John Sitzia, National Chief Operating Officer of the NIHR Clinical Research Network nationally added “We are delighted to welcome Ifan Jones as the network’s new Chief Operating Officer in the West of England. Ifan has achieved great success during his time at the network and we are so pleased to see him take this next step in his progression. I am sure he will continue to bring his excellent knowledge and expertise to this new role.”
The CRN WE Partnership Group is chaired by Deborah Lee (Chief Executive of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust), she commented “Ifan is a great appointee to the Chief Operating Officer role in the West of England and a testament to the Network’s approach to developing people. Under Ifan’s leadership, I am confident that research in the West of England will continue to succeed and make a positive impact to the health and wealth of those living in the region. We send our congratulations to Ifan, and look forward to working with him in his new role.”
