Former Labour Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt is to join private healthcare company Bupa as a non-executive director on July 1, 2013.
Hewitt was Health Secretary under Prime Minister Tony Blair from 2005 to 2007, during which she oversaw a ban on smoking in public places and as well the much criticised Medical Training Application Service for young doctors.
Other major government positions Hewitt held during her time as an MP include Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and Cabinet Minister for Women.
Since leaving parliament in 2010, Hewitt has served as senior independent director of BT Group, non-executive director of Groupe Eurotunnel SA and chair of the UK India Business Council.
Bupa’s chairman Lord Leitch said: “Patricia’s extensive government and international business experience will bring valuable insight to Bupa as we deliver on our vision to make a positive difference to health systems, reaching millions more customers around the world.”
She joins other recent senior Bupa appointments Gerry Kelly as chief risk officer and former Shire senior VP Theresa Heggie as chief strategy and marketing officer.