Anne O’Connor appointed as new CEO of the HSE

The HSE Board has appointed Anne O’Connor as Chief Executive Officer of the HSE, following an open, competitive selection process. She is expected to take up the role in Spring 2026.

Ms O’Connor, is currently Managing Director, Vhi Health & Wellbeing. She formerly held the position of Chief Operations Officer of the HSE, leading in excess of 100,000 staff members providing health services across community and hospital settings in Ireland at local and national level. She is an occupational therapist and holds a MSc in Occupational Therapy and a MSc in Management Practice.

Announcing the appointment the Chairman of the HSE Board Mr Ciarán Devane said: “I am very pleased to welcome Anne back to the HSE. As well as her invaluable experience with Vhi, her extensive career with the HSE as an occupational therapist, National Director for Mental Health services and as Chief Operations Officer for the HSE through the COVID pandemic will stand her in good stead as she leads the HSE on its journey of reform.”

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

On her appointment Anne O’Connor 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.”