Patricia Hewitt will join as non-executive director

Lord Leitch, Bupa

Health insurer Bupa has appointed former secretary of state for health Patricia Hewitt to its board.

Hewitt, who served as health secretary between 2005 and 2007, will join the Bupa board as non-executive director on 1 July.

The politician holds positions on a number of other boards including independent director of BT Group, non-executive director of Groupe Eurotunnel SA and is chair of the UK India Business Council, which promotes trade between the UK and India.

In addition to her role as health secretary, Hewitt served as MP for Leicester for 13 years. She has also acted as secretary of state for trade, cabinet minister for women, minister for e-commerce and small business as well as economic secretary to the treasury.

Bupa chairman Lord Leitch (pictured) said: “Patricia’s extensive government and international business experience will bring valuable insight to Bupa as we deliver on our vision to make a positive difference to health systems, reaching millions more customers around the world.”