Liverpool Health Partners has today announced the appointment of Professor Louise Kenny as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer. This newly established role forms part of an enhanced governance structure designed to support the partnership’s next phase of development as an integrated Academic Health Science Partnership. Professor Kenny undertakes this position alongside her continuing University of Liverpool role as Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.
The appointment comes at a pivotal point for the Liverpool City Region as it strengthens its position within the national health research and innovation landscape. Liverpool Health Partners is evolving its model to provide a clear, coordinated and delivery focused system that aligns research, innovation and clinical activity at scale.
Professor Kenny is an internationally recognised clinical scientist and leader in women’s health and life course research. In her ongoing role at the University of Liverpool, she has led major programmes spanning translational research, population health and clinical innovation. She also holds a senior leadership role within the Northern Health Science Alliance, contributing to national priorities around health inequalities and research led growth.
Liverpool Health Partners brings together core partners including NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group and the University of Liverpool, alongside a wider network of NHS organisations, academic institutions and civic partners. Through its updated governance model, it will establish a single front door for health research and innovation, providing clarity for national funders, industry and collaborators seeking to work with the region.
Professor Kenny said: “I am delighted to take on this role at such an important time for Liverpool. We are entering a period of significant opportunity, and through Liverpool Health Partners we have the platform to shape a more connected and ambitious system. By bringing together our strengths across research, clinical care and innovation, we can position the region to deliver at scale for our communities and for upcoming national opportunities.”
The creation of the Chief Executive role reflects a clear focus on delivery, coordination and system development. It signals the partnership’s readiness to support major national funding opportunities and contribute to the future shape of the UK’s health research infrastructure. This includes a strong commitment to working in partnership across the North of England and nationally, recognising the importance of collective strength in addressing shared challenges and driving impact.
A central pillar of this approach is place based excellence. Liverpool Health Partners is building on the distinctive strengths of the Liverpool City Region, working closely with civic leadership, including the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, to align research and innovation with economic growth, population health and community priorities. Civic engagement and patient and public involvement remain fundamental, ensuring that research and innovation are grounded in the needs and experiences of local communities.
Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor, University of Liverpool and Chair of Liverpool Health Partners said: “Louise brings national credibility and a wealth of experience across research, clinical leadership and system development. Her appointment strengthens our ability to operate with confidence at the highest level and to play a leading role in shaping the future of health research and innovation.”
James Sumner, Chief Executive of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, said: “This is an important step forward. Strengthening alignment between NHS priorities, our communities and industry partners will be critical, and Louise brings the leadership to connect these effectively and translate them into real improvements in care.”
Katherine Fairclough, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said: “This is about leading the way for our region. By bringing together our strengths in research, innovation and the NHS, we can deliver better health, create opportunity and ensure the Liverpool City Region is at the forefront of future growth.”
This appointment reflects Liverpool Health Partners’ commitment to developing a coherent, outward facing system that is ready to engage with national partners including NIHR and others and to play a full role in shaping and delivering future health research and innovation priorities.