31. Dr David Geddes

Influential behind the scenes at NHS England, north Yorkshire GP and head of primary care commissioning Dr Geddes has not always been popular among GPs.

But this coming year he is responsible for rolling out two major programmes that could make a difference to hard-pressed GPs: the £40m primary care resilience programme for vulnerable practices and a £16m GP mental health support service – as called for by Pulse’s Battling Burnout campaign - which will help GPs with the mental stresses of the role.

This is due to be rolled out by the start of 2017, and Dr Geddes tells Pulse that he also wants to see more significant investment into primary care alongside and that he will work with the CQC and GMC ‘to reduce the workload associated with regulation’.

Why influential Powerful policymaker at NHS England

Surprising fact Wanted to become a chef