Professor Susan Hopkins has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Taking over from acting CEO Dyfed Alsop, Professor Hopkins is expected to begin the role in September. Alsop will revert back to the role of Chief Operating Officer.

Professor Hopkins is an infectious disease clinician, epidemiologist and public health leader, having studied medicine at Trinity College Dublin and trained in infectious diseases, microbiology and epidemiology across Ireland, France and the UK.

During the pandemic, she served as incident director at Public Health England, interim chief medical advisor to NHS Test and Trace, and strategic response director. Since November 2021, she has been working as chief medical advisor at UKHSA.

Professor Hopkins a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Royal College of Physicians and Faculty of Public Health and honorary fellow of the Royal College of Pathology. She is also the recipient of a CBE and Presidential Distinguished Service Award in Ireland for her work in public health.

Professor Susan Hopkins said: "It is my honour and privilege to become the CEO of UKHSA. I step into this role with humility, excitement, and deep commitment to our mission—protecting people’s health and security, quietly, consistently, and expertly.

"I’m incredibly proud of the work UKHSA does and of the world-class expertise we have right across the agency. My priorities are ensuring we continue to deliver excellence in health protection and security and strengthening our capabilities and systems to enhance how we support our communities."

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said: "I am pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Susan Hopkins as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Professor Hopkins brings extensive experience in the field of infectious diseases and public health as well as significant leadership skills and knowledge of the agency.

"This new appointment is a key element to protecting our nation’s health, including monitoring disease outbreaks, providing scientific expertise to inform policymaking and preparing the UK to fight emerging health threats.

"UKHSA’s work feeds into the government’s commitment to reform the healthcare system and create an NHS that is fit for the future, as part of the Plan for Change. I wish Professor Hopkins every success in her important new role."