Health tech organisation announces leadership transition and ownership transfer to Medilink Midlands

West Midlands Health Technologies Cluster (WMHTC) has announced a significant transition in its leadership and ownership structure.

The current executive chair of WMHTC, David Kidney, is stepping down.

And from 1 October 2025, WMHTC will operate under the stewardship of Medilink Midlands.

To support this transition, a new WMHTC advisory board will be established to guide strategic direction and maintain stakeholder representation.

David Kidney commented: “The time is right to hand over HTC. We have built a strong foundation, and I’m confident that Medilink Midlands will carry forward our vision with integrity and impact.

“WMHTC has established itself as one of the UK’s leading healthtech clusters by delivering inclusive, innovation-led growth for the region.

“This collaboration with Medilink Midlands marks a significant step in scaling our impact – strengthening our role as the gateway to healthtech innovation across the West Midlands and East Midlands.”

Professor Martin Levermore MBE DL, chair of Medilink Midlands, added: “This transition is a powerful statement of intent – to build a resilient, impactful and globally recognised health and life sciences cluster here in the Midlands.

“By combining Medilink Midlands’ national connectivity and innovation support expertise with WMHTC’s deep roots in the regional healthtech landscape, we are creating a unified regional platform with the capacity to deliver real economic and health outcomes.

“Together, we are strengthening our voice, our visibility, and our ability to attract the public and private investment needed to scale.”

Melanie Davidson, CEO of Medilink Midlands, said: “We thank David for all his hard work and dedication in building WMHTC.

“He has made a lasting contribution to the healthcare innovation landscape through WMHTC, and we’re honoured to continue that legacy under Medilink Midlands.

“This transition safeguards WMHTC’s brand and mission, while opening broader opportunities for innovators, investors, and stakeholders across the region and beyond.”

Paul Edwards, head of Economic Development and Delivery, West Midlands Combined Authority added: “The West Midlands Growth Plan identifies the health and medtech sector as crucial to the future growth of the region. Working with Medilink Midlands and our partners, we’re confident this transition will strengthen both the ecosystem and the story of this thriving cluster.”

Pictured (L-R): David Kidney, current executive chair of WMHTC and Melanie Davidson, CEO of Medilink Midlands