EXCLUSIVE: Newly-appointed BHTA CEO says it’s “time for the healthcare and assistive technology industry’s voice to be heard”
Dr Simon Festing has joined the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) as the new Chief Executive Officer, outlining that he will ensure the industry’s voice is heard as the organisation looks to the future.
A qualified Doctor of Medicine who practised as a hospital doctor in his earlier career, Dr Festing joins the BHTA from the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOPA) where, as CEO, he led the organisation as it supported its 1,700 strong membership.
Bringing vast knowledge and experience to the BHTA, Dr Festing has held senior roles in numerous prestigious third sector organisations, including the British Heart Foundation, as well as in government departments where he helped implement important policy changes.
Alastair Maxwell, BHTA Chairman, said: “We are delighted to have Simon join the BHTA during this pivotal time in the healthcare industry.
“His impressive management and leadership skills, combined with his medical background and previous roles in prominent associations and at government-level, will help lead the BHTA as we continue to promote the interests of our member companies during a period of unprecedented change in the sector.”
The new CEO replaces Andrew Stevenson, former NRS Healthcare Sales Director and who has been the BHTA’s interim Director General since Mandie Lavin’s departure in November 2018.
Discussing his new role, Dr Simon Festing told AT Today: “I am excited to have been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer of the BHTA and look forward to meeting with members, learning more about their important activities and discovering what we can do to support their businesses.
“With the pressures facing a stretched social care system and a strained NHS, fuelled by rapidly shifting older demographics, the sector has such a pivotal role to play in helping to tackle these wide-spanning challenges.
“It is time for the healthcare and assistive technology industry’s voice to be heard and it is the BHTA’s responsibility to ensure our members receive the support and recognition they deserve.”
As BHTA CEO, Dr Festing will help modernise the trade association, which includes restructuring the organisation to enable it to meet the increasing challenges facing its varied membership.
According to the BHTA, the decision to change the title from Director General to Chief Executive Officer will help align the 101-year-old organisation with modern management structures, with the title of CEO being more prominent today.
Dr Festing will join the BHTA on the 2nd March 2020.