The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has appointed Jason Bonander, a US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) veteran, as its new chief digital and technology officer (CDTO).
Bonander will join MHRA in late May 2026, and the agency hopes to tap his expertise in health data and technologies as it gets ready to deliver a new 5-year strategy and modernise regulation.
He has over 25 years of experience in technology leadership and health informatics, and deep expertise in transforming complex public sector organisations.
At CDC, he had served as chief information officer, leading global technology and cybersecurity operations, public health informatics and data-sharing strategies.
At MHRA, he is expected to modernise the portfolio of services and platforms, support faster, more efficient and more transparent regulation.
Regarding his appointment, Bonander said, “Throughout my career, I’ve seen how modern digital capabilities can transform how institutions serve the public. The MHRA sits at the heart of a complex health and life sciences ecosystem - protecting patients while enabling innovation.
"I am excited to join the MHRA, work with colleagues across the Agency and the ecosystem to strengthen digital and data capabilities that make regulation more agile, insight-driven and responsive, accelerating access to safe and effective products while maintaining the highest standards of public trust.”
MHRA chief executive Lawrence Tallon said, “Bonander brings deep experience from one of the world’s leading health regulatory authorities, operating at the intersection of technology, data and public health. His leadership will be critical as we modernise the MHRA’s systems and services to support faster, more efficient and more data-enabled regulation.”
MHRA chair, professor Anthony Harnden, said, “As medicines regulation evolves in a rapidly changing technological landscape, the MHRA is at the forefront of using data and digital tools to safeguard patients.
"Jason’s proven track record will be invaluable in taking forward our work to protect and promote public health, ensuring people have confidence in their medicines and healthcare products.”
