Galwaywoman Anne O’Connor is set to return to the heart of Ireland’s public health system, taking up the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Health Service Executive in a move that brings one of the most recognisable figures of the Covid-19 era back into public service.
For many people, Ms O’Connor’s calm authority became familiar during the epidemic briefings, when she stood at the centre of decision-making as the HSE’s Chief Operations Officer. In those intense months, she was a key figure in steering hospitals and community services through an unprecedented public health emergency, and she later played a pivotal role in managing the response to the cyberattack on the health service in May 2021. Her visibility and steady presence earned widespread respect across the sector and beyond.
Ms O’Connor will succeed Bernard Gloster, who announced earlier this year that he intended to step down. Following what the HSE described as an open, competitive selection process, she is expected to take up the post in Spring 2026, on a salary of €398,174. She returns to the organisation from the private sector, having most recently served as Managing Director of Vhi Health & Wellbeing, where she broadened her leadership experience and insight into healthcare delivery outside the public system.
Originally trained as an occupational therapist, Anne O’Connor holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy as well as a Master of Science in Management Practice. Her career path reflects a rare blend of frontline clinical understanding and senior strategic leadership. During her earlier HSE career, she also served as National Director for Mental Health Services, adding depth to her experience across some of the most complex and sensitive areas of healthcare.
Beyond her professional achievements, Anne O’Connor is well known in her native Galway. She is the sister of popular broadcaster “Doc” O’Connor, formerly of the Warwick Hotel and now a familiar voice on Galway Bay FM.
Welcoming her appointment, HSE Chair Ciarán Devane said he was “very pleased to welcome Anne back to the HSE”. He noted that her experience with Vhi, combined with her extensive HSE career as an occupational therapist, mental health leader and Chief Operations Officer through the Covid pandemic, would “stand her in good stead as she leads the HSE on its journey of reform”.
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll McNeill TD also praised the appointment, saying Ms O’Connor has made a “significant contribution to healthcare in Ireland”. She added that Ms O’Connor now brings “immense capability and experience” to leading the HSE, and spoke of strengthening a service that serves patients, values healthcare workers and delivers high-quality, equitable care.
For her part, Ms O’Connor described herself as “very privileged” to be appointed at a time of great opportunity and challenge. She said she looks forward to leading the organisation and supporting staff as the HSE continues its reform programme, with the ultimate aim of meeting the healthcare needs of the people of Ireland.
