Rising Demand vs Finite Capability: Unlocking Opportunities of the Healthcare Sector

Lawrence Tallon was appointed in April 2025 as Chief Executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), having previously held the role of Deputy Chief Executive at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust since 2020.

Odgers’ Carmel Gibbons and Chris Hamilton joined Lawrence in our latest podcast to discuss the future of healthcare and regulation in the UK and globally, the challenges in attracting overseas investment in UK clinical and life sciences innovation, as well as the impact the MHRA will have on the sector going forward.

Healthcare Sector Crossroads

Reflecting on the current economic climate and workforce constraints, Lawrence explained the convergence of unprecedented difficulties: “Healthcare is under more pressure than ever before… our ability to meet that demand with humans is finite”. With a projected global shortfall of 10 million healthcare workers by 2030, the urgency for systemic reform is clear.

Yet, amid these challenges lies opportunity. Lawrence shares optimism about the transformative potential of science, technology, and digital innovation:

MHRA’s Strategic Priorities

Lawrence outlined his top three priorities at MHRA, including:

1. The creation of a world-class, digitally enabled system for safety and surveillance.
2. Risk-proportionate rapid access to new medicines, technologies and devices.
3. 10x innovation of licencing processes.

A Call for Radical Healthcare Reform

The discussion also touched on NHS reform, with Lawrence urging a shift toward vertically integrated provider systems and capitation-based funding models. “We need to incentivise keeping people healthy, not just treating sickness”, he said.

Leadership must be empowered to pursue long-term structural change, not just short-term performance targets.

Listen to the full conversation with Lawrence Tallon here:

Odgers’ Healthcare & Life Sciences Practices identify, attract and develop world-class leadership talent with the expertise and skillsets necessary to drive transformation and capitalise on opportunities presented by new technologies. With a global network and deep expertise, we partner with healthcare and life sciences organisations of all sizes, in the UK and internationally, to deliver a tailored and impactful approach.

_________________________________________________________

Get in touch. Follow the links below to learn more, or connect directly with our dedicated executive search experts and Healthcare & Life Sciences leadership consultants at your local Odgers office here.