London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is pleased to announce that Sir Ciarán Devane will become its new Chair of Council as of 1 January 2027. 

Ciarán Devane is the Chief Executive Officer of the newly merged NHS Providers / NHS Confederation - the NHS Alliance - and will replace Don Robert, who steps down as Chair of Council in autumn 2026.

He has previously served in a number of roles including as Director of Centre for Peace and Security at Coventry University (2021 - 2026), Chief Executive of the British Council (2015 - 2020), and Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support (2007 - 2014). 

Ciarán Devane said: "I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Chair of Council at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. 

"LSHTM has a vital role in advancing global health through research and education, and its exceptional community of staff and students continues to drive pioneering work that addresses some of the world's most pressing health issues."

Council is LSHTM’s governing body and has overall responsibility for its mission, long-term strategy, and financial health. Council members fulfil their roles in accordance with the constitutional document of this Higher Education Institution (HEI), and Royal Charter.

Professor Liam Smeeth, Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “We are delighted that Sir Ciarán Devane is joining us as our new Chair of Council. He brings substantial experience in health systems, higher education, science, and international organisations, which will be of great benefit to LSHTM as we continue to expand and build on our mission to improve health worldwide.

“I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Don Robert, who has served as Chair of Council since 1 April 2020. Don oversaw major developments at LSHTM including independent reviews on both governance effectiveness and addressing discrimination and advancing anti-racism and equality, as well as the approval of LSHTM’s 2022 – 2027 strategy and the establishment of our Sustainable Climate Impact Fund.”

Ciarán Devane graduated from George Washington University and University College Dublin. He holds several non-executive roles including as the Chair of Health Service Executive (Ireland), and as a Trustee of the British Irish Association and Friends of Europe and was previously a Non-Executive Director of NHS England (2012 - 2015).