Professor Joann Rhodes will step down as CEO of HIRANI on 30 September 2026, following six years leading the organisation. Professor Rhodes will continue in her role until 30 September, working with the interim executive management team and the HIRANI Board to support an orderly transition.
Professor Rhodes said:
“It has been a genuine privilege to serve as CEO and help build HIRANI over the past six years. I am proud of the role the organisation continues to play in strengthening Northern Ireland’s health and life sciences ecosystem and supporting collaboration, innovation and investment across the sector.
Highlights of this journey have included growing the NI-PLC Health Innovation brand and Health Tech Spring conference, helping establish strategic partnerships with organisations including AstraZeneca, Roche and the MHRA, supporting major regional programmes such as the Innovate UK SIPF Future Medicines Institute and Launchpad for Health and Life Sciences, and working alongside government, health and industry partners to advance healthcare innovation across Northern Ireland.
HIRANI is well positioned to continue delivering value to the sector, and I look forward to seeing the organisation build on these foundations in the years ahead.”
From 1 October, HIRANI’s executive responsibilities will be managed on an interim basis by CFO Olivia Farnan and CCO Caroline McEvoy, working with the HIRANI Board to ensure continuity of operations and delivery. The Board will now commence recruitment of HIRANI’s next CEO, with further information to be published in due course.
HIRANI Chair Richard Kennedy said:
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Joann for her leadership, dedication and commitment over the past six years. She has made a significant contribution to the development of HIRANI and to Northern Ireland’s health and life sciences sector through her advocacy, partnership-building and focus on innovation.
The Board’s immediate priorities are to ensure a smooth transition, maintain momentum across HIRANI’s programmes and partnerships, and oversee the recruitment of the organisation’s next CEO. We remain fully committed to HIRANI’s mission and to supporting the continued growth and success of Northern Ireland’s health and life sciences ecosystem.”
For any questions, please contact Caroline McEvoy or Olivia Farnan.
caroline.mcevoy@hira-ni.com or Olivia.farnan@hira-ni.com
