Healthcode, the specialists in online services for the independent healthcare sector, has appointed Romana Abdin to be its new Chair of the Board and oversee the company through an exciting new chapter.
Romana will work alongside Peter Connor, Healthcode’s MD, to deliver a new agenda to transform the way Healthcode delivers and enhances its products and services to private healthcare providers, hospitals and insurers across the UK independent health sector.
A former barrister with a strong track record in leadership roles within the health and finance sectors, Romana served as Chief Executive of Simplyhealth Group for eight years, steering the company through a successful business transformation before her departure in 2021.
Romana is the first independent chair of Healthcode and was appointed following a rigorous selection process on the basis of her business acumen, experience of corporate governance and her inspirational leadership qualities. She takes over as Chair from Dr Doug Wright who has been at the helm for just over five years, alongside his role as Medical Director at Aviva UK Health.
As well as being CEO of Simplyhealth Group where she was twice recognised at the Institute of Director’s awards, Romana has worked in a number of different executive roles including Corporate Affairs and HR Director and Group Legal Counsel roles and began her career as a barrister specialising in corporate and commercial law. She has extensive board experience, sitting on group and subsidiary boards for more than twenty years. In addition, she is a past winner of the Asian Women of Achievement Awards prize for business.
Peter Connor said: “I am delighted Romana is joining Healthcode at the critical time in our evolution and development. We are privileged and excited to be able to welcome someone of her calibre and expertise to the business and I am sure her leadership, energy and enthusiasm will deliver foresight, clarity and motivation to the board and company overall. On behalf of the Healthcode board I’d like to thank Doug for his council and chairmanship through the pandemic, our strategic review and recent growth initiatives. He hands over to Romana with the company in a strong and optimistic position”
Romana Abdin said: “This is an exciting time to be chairing Healthcode as it takes a leap forward in terms of its online products and services and its engagement with stakeholders. My association with Simplyhealth Group means I have been familiar with Healthcode’s clearing services for many years, but this only scratches the surface. I’ve been impressed by Healthcode’s spirit of innovation, its focus on finding solutions which address the real-world challenges faced by the industry, such as The PPR, and its determination and ambition to be a force for technological progress. My role as chair will be to help Peter and the team make Healthcode a stronger and more agile operation that delivers excellent customer service and is able to achieve its considerable potential.”