BASHH welcomes Kat Smithson as new Chief Executive
19 December 2023
BASHH is delighted to announce that Kat Smithson has been appointed BASHH’s new Chief Executive. Kat joins us from the National AIDS Trust (NAT), where she has been Director of Policy and Communications for a number of years, held a number of senior leadership roles and worked in HIV for over a decade.
Speaking on the appointment, Kat commented, “I am absolutely thrilled to be taking on this role. BASHH has a proud history as a driving force for excellence in sexual health and HIV care. I am honoured to have this opportunity to work with BASHH, its board and members to now help shape its future.
We face significant ongoing challenges in sexual health and sexual health services, but there is also huge ambition and commitment amongst those working in them to tackle these head on. I am excited to be part of this and will aspire to make sure BASHH is positioned to support resilience, quality and innovation that can deliver for patients and the public long into the future.”
As BASHH continues to grow, the creation of a Chief Executive role marks an exciting new chapter for the organisation. The Chief Executive will help BASHH push onwards increasing impact for the public, sector, organisation and members. Kat Smithson has been appointed after a round of competitive interviews and will take up the post in March 2024.
Dr Claire Dewsnap, BASHH President, commented, “Following a review of our structures and processes with the support of BASHH board, I am delighted that we have appointed Kat to join the BASHH team as our new Chief Executive.
Over the last 10 years we have developed and delivered countless initiatives to meet the articles of our organisation, driven by the passion and commitment of our members, as well as patient and public representatives.
Kat’s joining will support BASHH to continue to progress our strategic ambitions across all four nations of the UK, to champion sexual health and sexual health services, and deliver value for our members.
Kat joins the organisation at an important time for our sector, where she will support us in our mission to safeguard the sexual health of our nation through access to expert, timely care.”