Dublin, Ireland — 15 December 2025 — Anne O’Connor has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Health Service Executive (HSE), the national public health service in Ireland, the organisation confirmed today in an internal email to staff.
Ms O’Connor previously served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the HSE, where she was responsible for overseeing the delivery of complex healthcare services across both community and acute hospital settings. In that role she played a prominent part in guiding the health service through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the nationwide cyberattack in 2021.
Following her time as COO, Ms O’Connor resigned from the HSE and joined Vhi Health and Wellbeing as Managing Director in August 2022, leading the insurer’s health and wellbeing division as it expanded its network of clinics and community services.
Colleagues have responded positively to the news, highlighting Ms O’Connor’s decades of service in the Irish health system and her reputation for collaborative leadership. Her appointment marks a significant leadership transition for the HSE as it continues to address long-standing pressures on health services and implement strategic reforms.
The HSE Board said an official public announcement and formal hand-over plan will follow in the coming days.
