David Wells
Chief Executive
David has been the Chief Executive of the IBMS since June 2021 and is also the Scientific Lead for Pathology at NHS England (London), a role he has held since September 2021. In March 2024, he was appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Science Council.
Recognised for his contributions to pathology and healthcare transformation, David was awarded Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) in 2020. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his work on pathology service reform earned him global recognition—he has appeared on The Pathologist magazine’s Power List six times since 2018.
Pathology leadership and COVID-19 response
Before joining the IBMS, David led the NHS England and NHS Improvement Pathology Consolidation Programme, securing record investment in workforce and digital solutions. Under his leadership, pathology networks progressed more in a few years than in the previous two decades.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a pivotal national role in NHS England’s testing strategy, advising on policy, strategy, and technology deployment. His expertise helped the UK government meet its target of 100,000 tests per day in April 2020, while also ensuring sufficient capacity and guiding ministers on key decisions.
For his outstanding contributions, David received an Honorary Fellowship from RCPath in 2020 and was awarded the Alumni Frontline Service Award by Anglia Ruskin University in 2021.
Early career
David holds BSc and MSc degrees in biomedical science from Anglia Ruskin University. He trained at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, qualifying as a biomedical scientist in 2000.
He progressed through laboratory management and academic roles, later becoming the first lead healthcare scientist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, overseeing the entire healthcare science workforce. He then became director of operations at Viapath, managing one of the UK’s largest networked pathology services, including King’s College Hospital and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals.
IBMS contributions
David has been actively involved with the IBMS since 2008, initially as a specialist portfolio assessor for clinical chemistry and later serving in multiple leadership roles:
- IBMS Council Member (London Region) (2015–2021)
- Chair of the Membership and Marketing Committee (2020)
- Special Advisory Panel Member for Clinical Chemistry (2009)
- Deputy Examiner for Clinical Chemistry (2011–2015)
He has also represented the IBMS on NICE diagnostic advisory panels, national forums, and the RCPath Council, and has contributed to the Parliamentary and Science Committee.