BIVDA appoints Helen Dent as interim CEO

The British In Vitro Diagnostic Association (BIVDA) has appointed Helen Dent as interim chief executive officer. Dent will replace outgoing CEO, Doris-Ann Williams, who has retired from her role.

Dent will lead the organisation in championing the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) industry to politicians, policymakers, media and relevant stakeholders and in supporting members to improve patient outcomes. 

Dent, who will step into the role following over three years as chief operating officer at BIVDA, brings over 20 years of industry experience to the business. Prior to her role at BIVDA, she occupied the roles of supply chain and contracts and pricing manager for Abbott Diagnostics in the UK and Europe. She has also worked as national contracts manager at NHS Blood and Transplant, Pharmacy Buyer for Surrey and Sussex NHS Supply Management Confederation and the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency. She holds a Master’s Degree in Procurement Law and Policy from the University of Nottingham School of Law & a Master’s in Strategic Procurement from the University of Glamorgan.

Speaking about her appointment, Dent said: “I am very excited to take on this new role, and to lead BIVDA’s efforts in shaping policy, at an important time for our members. I would like to thank Doris-Ann for her achievements, her support in on-boarding me for this role and wish her the best in her future endeavours. I am proud of the work that we have done for our members at BIVDA and look forward to continuing to work closely with them, many of which I have worked with throughout my career, both as a customer and a colleague. I want to ensure that their voices are heard, amplified and considered and that the value of IVD testing is understood, ultimately to improve patient outcomes, by increasing adoption of IVDs within the NHS.”

Helen Tucker, chair of BIVDA’s executive board added: “The board and I are delighted, and fully supportive of Helen stepping into the role of Interim CEO. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the industry with her, not just from her COO role with BIVDA, but from her previous roles. The board looks forward to working with Helen to drive the work of BIVDA forwards.”

Approximately 70% of clinical decisions are influenced using IVDs, but less than 1% of the NHS’ budget is dedicated to the uptake of new and innovative IVD products. Effectively used, IVDs help to reduce hospital stays, support patients to look after their own health and release resources for use elsewhere in the NHS, resulting in a healthier population and stronger economic growth.

BIVDA is the national industry association for manufacturers and distributors of diagnostic tests in the UK, representing almost all of the industry and more than 230 organisations. Its members employ more than 9,600 people generate annual sales of approximately £1.2 billion and play a significant role in UK exports.