Every year, GIANT Health brings together some of the most influential voices in healthcare, technology, policy and innovation — creating a space where ideas are shared, challenges are debated, and the future of healthcare takes shape.

Last year was no exception.

From NHS leadership and digital transformation to medicines optimisation, medical technology, innovation and global health education, our speaker programme brought together an exceptional group of experts with first-hand experience of transforming healthcare systems.

Here’s a look back at some of the outstanding leaders who joined us on stage.

Penny Dash

Chair, NHS England

Penny Dash brought a wealth of NHS leadership and transformation experience to the GIANT Health stage.

As Chair of NHS England, Penny sits at the heart of one of the world’s largest healthcare systems. Her perspective on the future of the NHS, system-wide transformation and the opportunities ahead provided valuable insight for an audience passionate about improving healthcare at scale.

Michael Bell

Chair of North West and North Central London ICBs & Chairman at Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust

Michael Bell offered an important perspective on healthcare leadership across London.

With leadership roles spanning Integrated Care Boards and an NHS Trust, Michael brings extensive experience of working across organisational boundaries and driving change within complex healthcare systems — exactly the kind of practical insight that makes the GIANT Health conversation so valuable.

Manka Ramachandran

Chief Pharmacist & Clinical Director for Medicines Optimisation, CDAO Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

Manka Ramachandran represented the critical intersection of clinical practice, medicines optimisation and healthcare innovation.

Her expertise highlights one of the central themes of modern healthcare: how can innovation and digital transformation translate into better, safer and more effective care for patients?

Professor Nora Colton

Director, the Global Business School for Health

Nora Colton brought a global and interdisciplinary perspective to the programme.

As healthcare becomes increasingly interconnected with business, technology, policy and education, leaders need to understand not just how healthcare works today, but how it can evolve for the future. Professor Colton’s work reflects that broader vision.

Dr. Tom Coffey OBE

Senior Health Adviser to the Mayor of London

Tom Coffey brought extensive experience at the intersection of health policy, public services and London government.

His perspective offered valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare in one of the world’s largest and most diverse cities — and the importance of collaboration between healthcare organisations, government and communities.

Liam Cahill

Advisor to leading NHS organisations

With extensive experience advising leading NHS organisations, Liam Cahill brought a practical, strategic perspective to the GIANT Health programme.

His work reflects the importance of turning ambitious healthcare strategies into meaningful organisational change — a challenge shared by healthcare leaders across the UK.

Rob Knott

EPR Commercial Director, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

Digital transformation is changing the way healthcare is delivered, and Rob Knott offered valuable insight into one of its most important components: electronic patient records.

From implementation and procurement to adoption and long-term value, EPR transformation is about much more than technology. It is about creating systems that work for clinicians, organisations and, ultimately, patients.

David Lawson

Director of Medical Technology & Innovation, Department of Health and Social Care

David Lawson brought a national perspective on medical technology and innovation.

As healthcare systems look to adopt new technologies while balancing evidence, safety, affordability and impact, leadership in this area has never been more important. His contribution reflected the growing role of innovation in shaping the future of healthcare delivery.

Dr Paul Gilluley

Chief Medical Officer

Rounding out this selection of speakers, Paul Gilluley brought senior clinical leadership and medical expertise to the GIANT Health stage.

His perspective reinforced a key principle at the heart of healthcare innovation: technology and transformation must ultimately serve clinical teams and improve outcomes for patients.

A Community Shaping the Future of Healthcare

What connects these speakers is more than their impressive titles.

They represent the breadth of expertise needed to transform healthcare — from national policy and NHS leadership to clinical practice, digital systems, medical technology, medicines, education and innovation.

That diversity is at the heart of GIANT Health.

Our stages bring together healthcare leaders, clinicians, entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, policymakers and technology experts to tackle the biggest questions facing healthcare today.

Last year’s speakers helped make those conversations possible.

And the conversation is only getting bigger.

Join us at the next GIANT Health event to hear from the people shaping what comes next in healthcare — and to be part of the community turning bold ideas into real-world impact.