HSCIC appoints chief exec

The Health and Social Care Information Centre has appointed Andy Williams as its new chief executive.

He will take up the role in April, taking over from interim chief executive Alan Perkins.

A statement from the HSCIC says Williams has extensive experience in overseeing large transformational technology projects in the UK and around the world.

He has led teams in companies such as IBM and Alcatel-Lucent and was previously the president of CSC’s managed services business for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“He has worked across a variety of industry sectors, usually being involved in programme governance, introducing complex new technology and managing change," the HSCIC statement says.

"He has an international reputation and the companies he has worked with include many well-known names both in the UK and abroad."

Williams said he is delighted to bring his experience and expertise to the important role.

“The HSCIC, since its creation in April last year, has made good progress in establishing itself as a highly influential source of information and analysis, as well as a provider of systems and services on which the NHS depends,” he said.

“No role in technology is more important than supporting the delivery of better patient care. I look forward to taking up my post in April and building on this early success.”

HSCIC chair Kingsley Manning said Williams’ track record speaks for itself.

“His integrity and analytic skills, coupled with his extensive contacts across the informatics industry, will give HSCIC a further boost as it builds its reputation for information services.”

An advertisement for the role, posted in September last year, said the new chief executive will work with the HSCIC’s key partners from across the health and care system and “will be responsible for leading the HSCIC to become a high-performing, customer-focused, dynamic and vibrant organisation."