LAST UPDATE | 15 Dec 2025

THE HSE HAS appointed Anne O’Connor from VHI healthcare as its new Chief Executive Officer. 

O’Connor is currently the Managing Director of VHI Health & Wellbeing DAC, the private health insurance firm. 

She is due to take over the top job from Bernard Gloster.

O’Connor has a background in occupational therapy.

She has been involved at the top level of the health service before, as she previously held the position of Chief Operations Officer. 

O’Connor today said that she feels “privileged” to be taking up the 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,” she said. 

The Chairman of the HSE Board Ciarán Devane said that he’s pleased to welcome O’Connor back. 

“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,” he said. 

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said that O’Connor will bring her “immense capability” to the role. 

“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,” she said.