James Friend

Director of Digital Strategy NHS England

James Friend is an executive leader in the UK National Health Service with a track record of success in delivery and strategic transformations, innovation and improvement. With previous experience in UK and International Financial Services and in leadership roles at a number of NHS Acute trusts and service commissioning organisations in London and the South East of England, James is currently the NHS England – London Region Director of Digital Strategy championing the use of digital tools and data at scale to simplify clinical workflows, align capacity with demand and accelerate patient treatment and is a member of the Greater London Authority’s Data for London Advisory Board. With a background in international financial services and previously a Local Government Leader, James also undertakes non-executive director roles including chairing the Finance & Risk Committee at Health Innovation Network South London, chairing Good Shepherd Trust a multi-academy trust with more than 20 schools across the south of England and other of charity trustee positions.