The British Heart Foundation has named University of Leicester cardiology Professor Sir Nilesh Samani as its new medical director.
Prof Samani will succeed Professor Peter Weissberg who will retire in October after 12 years at the cardiovascular research charity.
Prof Samani, a consultant cardiologist at Glenfield Hospital, is also the head of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at the university and director of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Unit. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and a NIHR Senior Investigator.
In 2015, Prof Samani was knighted for services to medicine and medical research.
He said: "It is an enormous privilege to serve the foundation as medical director. From my own experience, I know the central role the BHF plays in supporting cardiovascular research in the UK.
"Advances made through research funded by donations to the BHF have saved countless lives both in the UK and world-wide and reduced the devastating burden of premature heart disease on families and individuals."
Alongside his new role, Prof Samani will continue research at the University of Leicester and some clinical work at Glenfield Hospital, part of the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.
Simon Gillespie, chief executive at the British Heart Foundation, said: "Professor Samani is an outstanding, world-renowned researcher who has led the development of cardiovascular research at Leicester for many years.
"His research has greatly advanced our understanding of how our DNA affects our heart disease risk, which is now guiding researchers looking for more effective future treatments.
"Professor Samani has combined his research with clinical work that is bringing the benefits of research to his patients now."
Professor Paul Boyle, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leicester, congratulated Prof Samani on his appointment.
He said: "This is a tremendous honour and tribute to the talent of an inspirational member of our university community.
"Professor Samani's world-class work has helped to establish Leicester as an internationally renowned centre of excellence for cardiovascular research. His results have had a huge local and global impact.
"He has pioneered major advances in his field and he will bring this wealth of experience to bear on advancing the excellent work the British Heart Foundation does.
"The whole of the university community wishes him well and we look forward to continuing our association with him in his capacity as Professor of Cardiology at the university."
