The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has announced the appointment of Jason Bonander as its new Chief Digital and Technology Officer (CDTO), strengthening the agency’s leadership in data, digital and emerging technologies.
Bonander will join the MHRA in late May 2026, as the regulator prepares to deliver a new five‑year strategy and further modernise how medicines and medical devices are regulated across the UK. This appointment reinforces the MHRA’s focus on data‑driven regulation, ensuring it remains fit for the future as innovation in medicines, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies accelerates.
In the CDTO role, Bonander will be responsible for shaping and delivering the MHRA’s digital and technology vision, modernising services and platforms to support faster, more efficient and transparent regulatory processes.
He joins the MHRA from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where he served as Chief Information Officer. At the CDC, he led:
- Global technology and cybersecurity operations
- Public health informatics and large‑scale data systems
- International data‑sharing strategies supporting disease surveillance and response
His work supported some of the world’s most complex public health operations, giving him deep experience in managing secure, mission‑critical digital infrastructure at scale.
With more than 25 years’ experience in technology leadership and health informatics, Bonander brings a strong track record of transforming complex public sector organisations.
At the MHRA, he will play a critical role in:
- Modernising regulatory services and digital platforms
- Improving access to data and insights
- Supporting quicker, more efficient regulatory decisions
- Increasing transparency for patients, the NHS and industry
As medicines regulation increasingly involves AI, advanced analytics and digital technologies, the agency is focused on ensuring it has the technical expertise needed to regulate emerging approaches effectively.
Commenting on his new role, 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.”
Lawrence Tallon, Chief Executive of the MHRA, added:
“Jason 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.”
Bonander’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment for the MHRA, as it finalises plans for a new five‑year strategy that will guide regulatory evolution through the end of the decade.
The strategy will focus on improving patient access to safe and effective products, supporting NHS priorities, strengthening international partnerships and ensuring the UK remains an attractive environment for life sciences research and investment.
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