Anne O’Connor Takes Charge as New HSE CEO in 2026

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has appointed Anne O’Connor as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective Spring 2026. O’Connor will succeed Bernard Gloster, who announced his intention to step down earlier this year. Her appointment follows a thorough and competitive selection process conducted by the HSE Board.

O’Connor currently serves as the Managing Director of Vhi Health & Wellbeing. She brings significant experience from her previous role as Chief Operations Officer of the HSE, where she led a workforce of over 100,000 staff in delivering health services across both community and hospital settings in Ireland. An occupational therapist by training, she holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and a Master of Science in Management Practice.

Background and Experience

In announcing O’Connor’s appointment, Ciarán Devane, Chairman of the HSE Board, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am very pleased to welcome Anne back to the HSE. Her invaluable experience with Vhi, along with her extensive career within the HSE as an occupational therapist and National Director for Mental Health services, will greatly assist her as she leads the HSE through its reform journey.”

The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll McNeill, echoed this sentiment, highlighting O’Connor’s significant contributions to healthcare in Ireland. McNeill remarked, “Anne brings immense capability and experience to leading the HSE. I look forward to working closely with her to strengthen a service that truly serves its patients and values the dedication of our healthcare workers.”

Vision for the Future

Upon her appointment, O’Connor emphasized her commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare in Ireland. “I am very privileged to be appointed to this role at a time of great opportunity and challenge for healthcare in Ireland,” she stated. O’Connor expressed her eagerness to lead the organization and advance the ongoing reform program, ensuring that staff are equipped to deliver quality healthcare services effectively to meet the needs of the Irish population.

As O’Connor prepares to take the helm of the HSE, her extensive background in healthcare management and operations positions her to navigate the complexities of the Irish health system. The HSE will undoubtedly face significant challenges in the coming years, especially in light of the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. With O’Connor at the forefront, there is optimism regarding the future direction of healthcare services in Ireland.