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Anne O’Connor.
A former senior health official who left to work in the private sector will return as the new chief executive of the HSE on a salary of €398,174, it was announced today.
Anne O’Connor will take over as head of the HSE succeeding Bernard Gloster, who earlier this year announced he will step down in March.
The HSE said the appointment followed an “open, competitive selection process” and she is expected to take up the role in Spring 2026.
Ms O’Connor held several positions in the HSE and was chief operations officer during the early years of the pandemic with oversight of hospitals under her wing.
She left in recent years to take up the post of managing director, Vhi Health and Wellbeing.
She originally trained as occupational therapist and holds a MSc in Occupational Therapy and a MSc in Management Practice.
Ms O Connor said today: ”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.”
HSE chair 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.”
Health Minister, 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.”
