John Newton

John Newton serves as Director of Health Improvement at Public Health England and holds an Honorary Professorship in Public Health and Epidemiology at the University of Manchester and University of Exeter. His career includes:

• Academic epidemiologist at University of Oxford
• Director of Research and Development in two teaching hospitals
• Founding Director and CEO of UK Biobank
• Regional Director of Public Health

His expertise centers on applying epidemiological knowledge to public health practice, with current responsibilities spanning Public Health England's information/intelligence systems and health improvement programs for screening, substance abuse, diet, obesity, and health equity. He leads England's Global Burden of Disease project contribution and chairs the WHO European Burden of Disease Network.

Professor Newton's leadership extends to shaping national public health policy through evidence-based approaches, with significant contributions to population health metrics and international health collaboration frameworks.