Anne O’Connor to leave Vhi role and become the first woman to lead the HSE

Anne O'Connor took a prominent role in the HSE’s battle against covid-19. File photo: Leah Farrell / Photocall Ireland

The HSE has appointed Anne O’Connor as its new chief executive to replace Bernard Gloster when he leaves in March next year.

Ms O’Connor was previously chief operations officer of the HSE and took a prominent role in the HSE’s battle against covid-19. She is the first woman to head up the HSE and will oversee its continued development as a regional structure. 

She has worked with private health insurer Vhi since April 2022. The HSE board said there was an open, competitive selective process in place, and she is expected to begin work in the spring.

Board chairman Ciarán Devane said: “I am very pleased to welcome Anne back to the HSE.” 

He highlighted her career with the HSE, starting as an occupational therapist and then as national director for mental health before working as chief operations officer during the pandemic.

This experience will “stand her in good stead as she leads the HSE on its journey of reform”, he said. He also described her time at Vhi as an “invaluable experience”.

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Health minister Jennifer Carroll McNeill TD also welcomed the appointment. “Anne has made a significant contribution to healthcare in Ireland, and she now brings her immense capability and experience to leading the HSE,” she said.

“I look forward to working closely with Anne to further strengthen a service that truly serves its patients, values the immense contribution and dedication of our healthcare workers, and delivers high-quality, equitable care for all.” 

Ms O’Connor leaves her post as managing director of Vhi Health & Wellbeing to return to the HSE.

She said: “I am very privileged to be appointed to this role at a time of great opportunity and challenge for healthcare in Ireland.

“I look forward to leading the organisation and the reform programme already underway by supporting our staff to deliver quality healthcare services efficiently to meet the healthcare needs of the people of Ireland.” 

As chief operations officer, she led over 100,000 staff in community and hospital settings, including during the height of the pandemic.  An experienced occupational therapist, she holds an MSc in Occupational Therapy and a MSc in Management Practice.

Mr Gloster announced in May this year that he plans to step down early next year in a shock announcement, cutting short his five-year term. “I wanted to bring certainty to the future leadership of the organisation as I am now in my third year as CEO,” he said then.

The Limerick man has worked for around 38 years in public service, including previously as head of Tusla, the child and family agency.