ASH thanks Professor Nick Hopkinson for seven years of leadership and welcomes Rosanna O’Connor as new Chair

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) today announces that Professor Nick Hopkinson has stepped down as Chair of the Board of Trustees after seven years of outstanding leadership, and welcomes Rosanna O’Connor as the organisation’s new Chair.

Professor Hopkinson has chaired ASH since 2019, guiding the organisation through a period of significant change and impact. Under his leadership, ASH has strengthened its influence, navigated changes in executive leadership, and maintained a strong financial footing. He leaves the organisation at a pivotal moment, with the UK poised to introduce landmark Smokefree Generation legislation.

During his tenure, ASH has played a central role in shaping tobacco control policy, helping to build momentum towards a smokefree future and laying the groundwork for the delivery of its new, ambitious strategy to end the harms caused by smoking.

Professor Nick Hopkinson said:

“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of ASH over the past ten years. I am incredibly proud of what the organisation has achieved in that time – from influencing national policy to helping shift public attitudes on smoking and tobacco harm.

ASH is a unique and highly effective organisation, and I am confident it is well placed to deliver its new strategy and to seize the opportunity presented by the Smokefree Generation legislation. I am delighted to be handing over to Rosanna, whose experience and leadership will be invaluable in the years ahead.”

Rosanna O’Connor brings a wealth of senior leadership experience across public health, addiction policy and health inequalities. She previously served as Director of Addiction and Inclusion at the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, where she led work across tobacco, alcohol, drugs and gambling, and played a key role in delivering the Khan Review and advancing the Smokefree Generation policy.

Her career spans senior roles in government, public health and the voluntary sector, with a strong track record of influencing national policy, building partnerships and delivering large-scale system change. 

Rosanna O’Connor said:

“ASH is a uniquely influential organisation that consistently punches above its weight in shaping policy and improving public health. I am honoured to be taking on the role of Chair at such a critical time.

With the UK on the cusp of delivering Smokefree Generation legislation, there is a real opportunity to accelerate progress and reduce the inequalities caused by smoking. I look forward to working with Hazel, the Board and the ASH team to deliver the organisation’s new strategy and to help bring about lasting change.”

Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of ASH, paid tribute to Professor Hopkinson’s leadership and welcomed Rosanna to the role.

Hazel Cheeseman said:

“Nick has provided exceptional leadership to ASH over the past decade. He has steered the organisation through change with clarity and integrity, leaving us in a strong financial and strategic position. His contribution to tobacco control and to ASH has been immense.

I am delighted to welcome Rosanna as our new Chair. Her experience, insight and track record in delivering policy change will be invaluable as we implement our new strategy and work to achieve a smokefree future. Together, we will continue to push for the bold action needed to end the harms caused by smoking.”

ASH’s new strategy sets out an ambitious vision to accelerate progress towards a smokefree UK, recognising the need for renewed urgency and bold policy action to tackle persistent inequalities and reduce smoking rates further.