The appointment of a new Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive at Health Enterprise East (HEE) sees the region's NHS Innovation Hub moving into top gear.

Dr Peter Blenkinsop, former Chief Executive of HEE, has been promoted to Deputy Chairman. Dr Anne Blackwood succeeds Peter as HEE's Chief Executive.

Peter has joined the new Innovation Professional Leadership Group, established to support the Department of Health in achieving better diffusion of innovation throughout the NHS.

Peter worked in the brewing and malting industries before becoming Director of Business Development for Silsoe Research Institute in 1997. He was being appointed Chief Executive of HEE when it formed in 2004.

Professor Alan Barrell, HEE Chairman, said: "Dr Blenkinsop's appointment as Deputy Chairman comes at a time when innovation in the NHS is higher than ever on the agenda. Peter's expertise in building external relationships places him in an ideal position to take on this important role."

Dr Anne Blackwood joined HEE in 2005 as Innovation Manager. She was then promoted to Head of Innovation and, in February 2009, Chief Operating Officer. Her previous roles included working at Cambridge Enterprise on the commercialisation of technologies from the biological and chemical sciences.

Alan Barrell said: "I am delighted to announce Dr Blackwood's appointment as Chief Executive. There are many challenges, including the drive for continued excellence and harnessing innovation to address our current healthcare priorities. Anne's considerable experience and her commitment to innovation mean that she is ideally placed to be our new Chief Executive."

HEE provides a broad range of professional IP management services to the region's NHS Trusts. It also provides services to industry, including access to NHS expertise, advice on clinical evaluation of new medical technologies and market research to support adoption.

Dr Peter Blenkinsop                 Dr Anne Blackwood