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Dr David L Heymann will replace Sir William Stewart who retires in April 2009. Dr Heymann is currently the Assistant Director General for Health Security and Environment for the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva. He is also the Representative of the Director General for Polio Eradication. He previously worked with the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention for 24 years.

Dawn Primarolo said:

"I am delighted that Dr Heymann has accepted the appointment as Chair of the Health Protection Agency. This is a unique post and I am pleased to welcome someone with such an outstanding senior career in the international public health field.

"The HPA board will continue to face many challenges in the years to come, especially from April 2009 when it merges with the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control. I look forward to working with Dr Heymann closely on this important work."

The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Liam Donaldson, said:

"Dr David Heymann is one of the most significant public health leaders in the world today. I am delighted that we have been able to attract a person of such high calibre to fill this important post. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Sir William Stewart, the outgoing Chairman for the superb work he has done in setting up the HPA and making its role indispensable to the nation's health and security."

1. The Health Protection Agency is a UK-wide body established by the Health Protection Agency Act 2004. It is a unique organisation of more than 3,000 talented people, with a remit to protect the health of the general public from infectious disease, radiation, chemicals and environmental hazards. Its activities span laboratory research through to front-line service delivery, and from local services to global partnerships. Its ambition is to lead the way in health protection by identifying, preparing for and responding to health threats, and setting standards for health protection. It provides support and advice to the NHS, local authorities, emergency services, other Arms Length Bodies, the Department of Health and the Devolved Administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

2. From 1 April 2009, the HPAs functions will widen when it takes over responsibility for functions in relation to biological substances when the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control merges with the HPA. At this time, the Biological Standards Board will be wound up.

3. This appointment has been made by the Appointments Commission in accordance with the Code of Practice of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Open competitions were run in November 2008 to appoint a chair and non-executive members to the Health Protection Agency. The Chair appointment will be for a four-year term from April 2009.

4. Dr Heymann will receive remuneration of £60,000 per annum plus travel and subsistence expenses. For this, he is expected to devote a minimum of three days a week to the duties of Chair.

5. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the recommendation of the Committee on Standards in Public Life (the Nolan Committee), there is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if any declared) to be made public. Details given by the appointee in response to the political activity questionnaire, and other information about appointee, is as follows.

6. Declared political activity in the last five years: None. Other Ministerial appointments held: None.

Wednesday 4 March 2009 10:45
Department of Health

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