Kelly is an economist with over 15 years of experience in the NHS and private sector delivering evidence-driven strategy and policy programmes. She was most recently a Deputy Director in the Innovation, Research and Life Sciences team in NHS England leading the development of the commercial framework access to NHS data for research and innovation, NHS IP policy and commercial approaches to facilitate the adoption of digital innovation in the NHS. She is passionate about helping to form mutually beneficial partnerships between the NHS and private sector that drive leading-edge innovations and the smooth adoption of new technology that transforms care for patients.

Kelly’s roles in the NHS have included working within hospitals, developing clinical strategy at St George’s Hospital and in helping Barts Health recover elective services as part of their Transformation team. During Covid she was part of the team modelling hospital beds and other resources needed to advise on policy changes to cope with demand. She has advised Ministers on policies to reduce spending on bank and agency staff and led the initial development of the pricing regime for the NHS to drive efficient and effective care delivery.

Prior to joining the NHS, Kelly was a strategy consultant at KPMG leading analytical projects for a range of international clients. She started her career in investment banking focused on large M&A transactions primarily in the utilities and infrastructure sectors.