Kevin Humphries: Leading NHS Digital Transformation as CTO

NHS England has announced the appointment of Kevin Humphries as its new Chief Technology Officer.

He will work under Rob Thompson to deliver the NHS’s 10 Year Health Plan and support evolving technology needs across the organisation.

Kevin brings more than 35 years of experience in engineering, digital transformation and consulting to his new position.

Kevin’s career so far

After studying at Imperial College London, Kevin began his career as a Software Developer at Arun Technology.

He stayed in this position for five years before working across multiple companies including Winvista, Thames Water, Royal Mail and Bank of Scotland.

In 2003, he worked as a Consultant Architect for HM Revenue and Customs.

He has also worked in Technology Consulting for Sainsbury’s and the Ministry of Justice.

Kevin worked in the Cabinet Office in the UK Government from 2013 to 2016, leading the Government Architecture function. 

In this role, he helped to define, build and operate an integrated and coherent technical architecture across the government.

In 2019, Kevin took up the position of Director Chief Architect at the UK Home Office, where he led the department’s business, technology, data and security architecture strategy.

He then progressed to become the Director of Engineering at the company, leading a team of more than 500 engineers.

On LinkedIn, Kevin describes himself as “a technology leader with many years of experience helping private and public organisations with their digital transformations, helping them understand how to survive and thrive in the age of an exponential information and automation explosion.”

Technology at NHS England

NHS England designs and operates national data infrastructure and digital systems to support the ongoing evolution of the NHS and its services.

The 10 Year Health Plan for England was published in July 2025, setting out the government’s mission to build a health service fit for the future.

It covers the importance of technology in the future NHS, outlining the priorities that will support digital transformation and deliver a change in the way the NHS cares for patients.

The organisation aims to support and enable local systems to work more efficiently and effectively, improve diagnosis and treatment and improve services.

NHS England’s technology and digital capabilities cover the NHS App and Online services, digital care records and digital primary care.

Kevin’s new position

In his new role as CTO at NHS England, Kevin will work alongside Rob Thompson, who is the Chief Digital, Data and Technology Officer for the Department of Health and Social Care.

Rob was appointed to this role in May 2026, after first joining the Home Office as Chief Technology Officer in 2018.

He leads digital transformation and digital product development, with experience in leading large-scale IT organisations, delivering critical services in complex organisations.

His responsibilities include system data, technology and digital transformation, products, platforms and cyber security.

Kevin announced the move on LinkedIn: “This week, I’m delighted to have been appointed Chief Technology Officer of NHS England.

“I’m part of Rob Thompson’s team, working across the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to deliver the Ten Year Health Plan.

“I’ll be helping turn that plan into reality – evolving the technology that underpins how care is delivered and making sure the systems that patients and staff rely on are secure, joined up and built for the future.”