Mark Hewlett

Mark Hewlett is an experienced executive who played a crucial role in the UK's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He served as the Chief Operating Officer of the UK's Test and Trace programme, focusing on testing operations across all four nations of the UK.12 In this capacity, he was responsible for managing a massive operation that employed approximately 65,000 people across test centers, logistics operations, laboratories, and central operational teams.1

Career Highlights

Test and Trace Leadership:

• Joined the programme in August 2020 during a critical time of crisis1
• Oversaw a budget of taxpayer money and managed high-stakes risks1
• Answered directly to Secretaries of State, Ministers, and Prime Ministers1

Leadership Approach:

• Focused on individual well-being and motivation of team members1
• Held daily organization-wide meetings for 18 months to communicate performance and focus1
• Emphasized authenticity, team well-being, and over-communication during turbulent times1

Current Role

After his tenure with the Test and Trace programme, Mark Hewlett transitioned to the private sector:

• Currently serves as the Global CEO of 2San Group12
• Joined 2San from the UK Health Security Agency1

Background and Skills

• Internationally experienced leader accustomed to operating in complex environments1
• Experience in public, private, and government organizations1
• Strong focus on stakeholder management and crisis leadership1

Mark Hewlett's leadership during the pandemic was characterized by his commitment to visibility, authenticity, and team well-being. His experience in managing large-scale operations and navigating complex governmental structures has positioned him as a notable figure in both public health response and corporate leadership.1