Dr Ian Hudson practiced as a paediatrician for a number of years before working in research and development at SmithKline Beecham for 11 years. Subsequently, in 2001, he joined the MHRA as Director of Licensing and was the UK delegate to EMA’s scientific committee, CHMP, latterly its Vice Chair. In 2013 Dr Hudson became CEO of the MHRA, also a member of the EMA management Board and part of the Heads of Medicines Agencies Management Group. He was also Chair of the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities between 2016 and 2019. Dr Hudson joined the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as Senior Advisor, Regulatory Affairs, Integrated Development in September 2019. He was awarded an OBE for Services to Healthcare in the New Year’s honours 2020.