News and events

22 June 2022

Leeds Academic Health Partnership board members this week welcomed University of Leeds Vice-Chancellor Professor Simone Buitendijk as their new chair.

Tom Riordan, Chief Executive Leeds City Council

Outgoing chair Leeds City Council Chief Executive Tom Riordan CBE said: “It’s been a privilege to chair the Partnership over the last two years. As we conclude the Partnership’s review period and move into our next strategic phase, returning to an academic partner as our chair will help strengthen our renewed focus on research in partnership.

“We are delighted that Simone has agreed to become our chair and she has our unanimous support. She is a valued city leader, with an ambitious vision for the university and a brilliant academic track record in women’s health.”

Professor Buitendijk’s appointment as chair makes her the Partnership’s second academic chair, with former University of Leeds Vice-Chancellor Sir Alan Langlands having led the Partnership through its early years.

Prof Simone Buitendijk

Simone has a strong track record of social, economic and cultural development and was previously Vice-Provost (Education) and professor of Maternal and Child Health at Imperial College London.

Professor Buitendijk said: “I am delighted to chair Leeds Academic Health Partnership and want to thank Tom Riordan for his excellent input as chair thus far.

“Health inequalities have come into sharper focus for all of us. We don’t have any time to waste in identifying the opportunities for collaboration.

“Through a shared willingness and generosity of spirit, I want us to be bold and brave and an inspiring exemplar to others as we help make Leeds the best place to live and work.”

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