Health Education England has appointed Sir David Behan as chair – effective from 1 December.

Sir David, formerly chief executive at the Care Quality Commission, was previously the director general of social care, local government and care partnerships at the Department of Health, where he was a member of the NHS management board.

The appointment is for a three year period.

Professor Ian Cumming, HEE chief executive, said: “I am delighted that Sir David will be joining us. He brings a wealth of experience across health and social care and is highly regarded and respected as a leader.

“I am personally looking forward to working with and learning from Sir David as he joins HEE as he brings this experience and leadership to bear on dealing with the workforce challenges and opportunities that will be outlined in the forthcoming long-term plan we are working with colleagues across the system to create.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Sir Keith Pearson who has been our chair since HEE was established in 2013. He has provided the guidance and leadership that has seen us grow as an organisation, putting us in such a strong position to face the future providing the workforce that the NHS and patients will need today and tomorrow. On behalf of everyone at HEE, I would like to thank Sir Keith for his service and wish him well for the future.”

Earlier this month, HealthInvestor UK reported that Sir Davis has joined Care home provider HC-One as a non-executive director.

Related stories: HC-One: Sir David Behan