Asthma + Lung UK is delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew McCracken as its new Director of External Affairs. With more than 15 years of experience in health sector communications and policymaking, Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge to the role.
Andrew most recently led External Affairs for the respected health and care charity The King’s Fund, where he was the driving force behind the organisation’s external engagement efforts. He boosted media visibility and contributed to fast-paced, responsive policy influencing. He joins the UK’s leading lung health charity at a pivotal time, as it accelerates its strategic plan to transform the nation’s lung health.
Prior to joining The King’s Fund, Andrew was Head of Communications at National Voices, a coalition of health and care charities, where he led the charity’s rebrand and oversaw the launch of their new website. He began his career in his hometown of Liverpool, gaining in-house experience of public health campaigns across multiple local NHS trusts. He then worked in senior communications roles at London South Bank University and at the Royal College of Physicians, where he was part of the team that earned a Chartered Institute of Public Relations Excellence Award for Best Public Sector Campaign.
Andrew joins Asthma + Lung UK as the charity continues its work to transform lung health, championing increased investment in respiratory research, campaigning for cleaner air, and improving care for people living with conditions such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Andrew McCracken said: “I’m delighted to be joining Asthma + Lung UK at such a critical moment for lung health. Respiratory conditions continue to be one of this country’s biggest killers and the impact falls most heavily on the poorest in our society.
“These trends can be turned around, and I am excited about working with such a talented team and committed partners to improve the lives of the millions of people living with lung conditions. Done right, the prevention, early diagnosis, and improved management of lung conditions can fundamentally enhance people’s lives and provide vital lessons for the wider health and care sector.”
Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Andrew McCracken to Asthma + Lung UK as the charity continues its mission to transform the nation’s lung health. Andrew brings a strong track record of leading high-impact communications and policy campaigns in the health sector, and I’m confident he’ll be a real asset to our External Affairs team. Together, we’ll push for greater investment in vital respiratory research, tackle misconceptions around conditions such as asthma and COPD, and fight for the right of everyone to breathe clean air.”
ENDS