Gateway puts Greg on the fast‐track to success : Leadership program plays key role in career progression

Purpose – This article seeks to describe the atypical route to a senior role in the National Health Service of Greg Allen, director of human resources and workforce development for NHS Devon. It aims to highlight the key role of the NHS Gateway to Leadership program in his career progression. Design/methodology/approach – The article details the career experiences of Greg Allen before he joined Gateway to Leadership and explains what he has achieved in the NHS since completing the program. Findings – The article explains the many ways in which Greg Allen has “made a difference” in the NHS, particularly by bringing a thirst for challenge, a commercial viewpoint and the continued persistence to keep asking why. Practical implications – The successes he has achieved at national and regional levels in the National Health Service are highlighted and the article reveals how the public sector can benefit from hiring people with private‐sector expertise. Originality/value – The article provides a clear account of change management in the NHS.