DHI Announces Leadership Transition: Honouring John Jeans and Welcoming Petra Wilson as Incoming Chair

Recognising 8 years of dedicated board leadership and welcoming new governance to support DHI’s continued growth.

The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) celebrates the leadership and legacy of outgoing Chair John Jeans CBE, while welcoming incoming Chair Dr. Petra Wilson, who brings extensive international experience to guide the board's strategic oversight and support DHI’s next phase of growth.

John Jeans first became involved with DHI in 2017, drawn on his long-standing interest in the challenge of adopting transformational technology in clinical practice. He identified digital innovation as one of the most complex areas to embed successfully, not least because it lacks the tangible, 'shiny new' elements that often drive early enthusiasm. By its nature, digital transformation requires changes to working practices and often demands significant cultural shifts. It was this complexity and its potential to improve how health and care are delivered that motivated his engagement with DHI.

Throughout his career in industry and later at the Medical Research Council, John observed how systems connectivity and clinical data were beginning to shape healthcare technologies, from medical devices to diagnostics and pharmaceuticals. His involvement with DHI offered an opportunity to contribute to addressing global challenges such as balancing supply and demand in health services and tackling inequalities in health and social care.

Reflecting on the lessons learned during his time with DHI, John shared that success in digital health is always about people before technology. While technical solutions must be robust and fit for purpose, their relevance is ultimately determined by how well they support reengineered processes and deliver economic value in real-world environments.

He also emphasised that putting individuals, patients, carers, and citizens at the centre of digital innovation is essential, noting that DHI has consistently demonstrated this approach.

Throughout his eight years as Chair, John Jeans played a vital role in shaping the growth and sustainability of DHI. The organisation secured long-term financial stability through a diverse range of funding sources across the state, commercial, and third sectors.

John’s tenure also saw DHI make a significant contribution to government policy in the digital health and social care space, helping to position Scotland as a leader in citizen-centred innovation. Under his stewardship, DHI delivered numerous impactful projects that have been successfully integrated into clinical practice, improving outcomes for patients and supporting the health and care workforce.

In closing his remarks, John said:

“It has been a privilege to work alongside a supportive board and DHI’s exceptional staff and leadership team. The way that DHI has evolved, consistently putting the person at the centre of everything it does, has made it possible to achieve so much. That approach is exemplary and remains critical to the organisation’s continued success.”

Professor George Crooks OBE, CEO, said:

"John’s steady leadership and strategic vision have helped secure DHI’s future for the next decade. His wisdom and counsel have been invaluable, knowing when to guide and when to empower the executive team to lead. While we will miss his presence, we are excited to build on the legacy he leaves behind."

Looking ahead, DHI is pleased to welcome Dr. Petra Wilson to the board as its new Chair. Petra brings more than 25 years of experience across academia, public service, industry, and the not-for-profit sector.

Her career has been dedicated to harnessing the power of data and digital tools to improve health systems, ensuring they are more resilient, accessible, and efficient.

Petra previously held senior positions within the European Commission’s digital health unit, where she supported early initiatives in Electronic Health Records and Connected Medical Devices. She also served as a senior director at Cisco’s public health team and later became CEO of the International Diabetes Federation, where she advocated rights of diabetes patients at the highest levels of EU policymaking.

In 2016, she founded Health Connect Partners, a consultancy advising healthcare and life sciences organisations on the strategic use of digital health. She also holds an advisory role with WHO Europe’s digital health team and serves as an editorial Board Member of Data Saves Lives run by the European Patients Forum, and a Member of the Digital Health Board Committee of EURODIS, the EU Rare Diseases Organisation.

Petra expressed her enthusiasm for taking on this role, saying:

“I have followed DHI’s progress closely for more than a decade, having previously served on its board during its early days. I am delighted to return as Chair. My first priority is to get to know the team, understand DHI’s current priorities, and explore where my experience and international network can best support its mission. Scotland has a unique spirit of innovation and a willingness to confront the most difficult health and social care challenges. I am excited to be part of this important work and help DHI continue to make a difference, both in Scotland and internationally.”

Professor George Crooks OBE, CEO, added:

“I’ve known Petra for over ten years, and her leadership and passion for digital health and social care are second to none. Her extensive experience and connections across Europe and beyond will be invaluable. I look forward to working closely with Petra in the years ahead as we build on our successes and continue to impact the digital health & social care sector”

With this leadership transition, DHI enters a new chapter, building on a legacy of strong governance and innovation, and reaffirming our commitment to improving health and care outcomes by placing citizens at the heart of every solution.