Office for Life Sciences appoints new Director

Last Updated on 07/05/2026 by Sarah Sarsby

The Office for Life Sciences (OLS) has announced the appointment of Kenan Poleo as Director, effective from May 2026.

Kenan succeeds Roz Campion and will lead the cross-government delivery of the UK’s Life Sciences Sector Plan, which forms part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy. The role also includes responsibility for innovation priorities linked to the 10 Year Health Plan.

Reporting jointly into the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the Director works closely with OLS Executive Chair Steve Bates OBE to support the Government’s ambition for the UK to become the world’s third most important life sciences economy by 2035.

Kenan brings extensive experience from across government, healthcare, and international trade. Most recently, Kenan served as Consul General and Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Prior to this, Kenan held senior trade and innovation roles including Her Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commissioner for Europe and Head of Global at Innovate UK.

Kenan’s earlier career included a range of senior UK Government positions focused on manufacturing strategy, energy, and environmental legislation, and the chemicals industry. Before entering government service, Kenan worked within the NHS, commissioning services related to sexual health, HIV/AIDS, refugee and homelessness health, and support for Black and Minority Ethnic communities.

BHTA members may wish to note the appointment given the Office for Life Sciences’ ongoing role in shaping healthcare innovation, regulation, and industry collaboration across the UK.

Members wishing to contact the Office for Life Sciences can do so via: Director.OLS@officeforlifesciences.gov.uk