The Biotech Growth Trust has appointed Dame Jenny Harries as an independent non-executive director.

Harries served as chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) from its creation in 2021, overseeing the merger of Public Health England, the Joint Biosecurity Centre, the Covid Vaccine Task Force and NHS Test and Trace. She was previously deputy chief medical officer for England, where she played a leading role in the government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and has also been involved in the UK response to Ebola, Zika, mpox, MERS and the Novichok poisonings.

Her career in public health spans regional leadership roles across England and Wales, as well as international work on health policy and evaluation in countries including Pakistan, Albania, India, Brazil and New Zealand. She has served on the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation and the Expert Advisory Group on the NHS Constitution.

Chair Roger Yates said: “We are delighted to welcome Professor Harries to the Company. Her unparalleled experience in public health leadership and global health strategy will bring an invaluable perspective to the Board.”

Harries will also join the audit, management engagement and nominations committees. Her appointment will be proposed for election at the company’s annual general meeting in July 2026.