Medilink UK, the representative body for the health technology sector in the UK, has appointed Kevin Kiely as its chief executive.

Kiely co-founded the Medilink model more than 25 years ago, which brought together the life sciences industry, the NHS and universities to drive innovation across the healthcare sector.

Kiely is responsible for Medilink’s international affairs and also acts as an assessor to its technology strategy board for health technology collaborative research and development calls.

Bill Cruise, chairman of Medilink UK, said: “It has become clear that Medilink UK needs to play a more proactive national role if opportunities are to be maximised. I am therefore delighted to announce the appointment of Medilink UK’s first national chief executive, Kevin Kiely.”

Kiely said: “Having been involved in the development of regional Medilink organisations across the UK for more than 25 years, and seeing the Medilink UK infrastructure grow to a point where it is now as the largest representative body for the health technology industry, I understand many of the challenges facing its organisations. However, I can also see major opportunities, particularly for international trade, in rapidly growing markets for health technology products outside of Europe.”