Sir Mike Richards, the former national cancer director and chief inspector of hospitals for the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will join PwC as a senior advisor, the consultancy firm has announced.

A hospital physician for more than 20 years, Richards worked as a consultant medical oncologist between 1986 and 1995, becoming professor of palliative medicine at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals in 1995 and then the first national cancer director at the Department of Health in 1999. After overseeing a number of NHS programmes, he became the first chief inspector of hospitals at the Care Quality Commission in July 2013, designing and implementing a new approach to hospital inspection before retiring at the end of July this year.

In his new role at PwC, Richards will support the PwC health industries leadership team, supporting clients in the UK and internationally.

Quentin Cole, health industries leader at PwC, commented: “I am delighted that Sir Mike will be joining the firm’s team of health experts. He will be a significant addition, providing unparalleled insight and experience into the NHS which will undoubtedly expand our support to clients as well as our overall healthcare strategy.”

Professor Sir Mike Richards commented: “I am delighted to be joining such a prestigious health advisory practice and have begun to work already on some key assignments supporting clients to improve the quality of care for patients.”