Discovery Health CEO resigns

Discovery Health CEO Ryan Noach has resigned from his position, with Ronald Whelan taking the reins from 1 January 2024.

In a press statement published on Thursday (12 October), Discovery noted Noach’s departure from the position is in line with the group’s growth strategy and ambition.

“Having held various positions over the last 15 years, Dr Noach will be leaving Discovery to pursue an entrepreneurial opportunity in South Africa that is outside of the healthcare and financial services sectors,” it said.

As part of a succession plan that has been in place for over a year, the current deputy CEO of Discovery Health, Dr Whelan, will assume the role of CEO at Discovery Health from the beginning of 2024.

“Ryan has played a pivotal role in the group, and we’re deeply thankful for the profound impact he has had. Discovery Health is in a very strong position as a market leader, achieving significant societal impact and delivering outstanding customer value and services,” said Group CEO Adrian Gore.

In line with a longstanding tradition of retaining the collective institutional knowledge and expertise of past leadership, Dr Noach will serve as a non-executive director on the Discovery Health Board with effect from 1 January 2024.

He also remains with Discovery until early 2024 to complete a full handover and smooth transition to Dr Whelan’s role as CEO, the group added.

Dr Whelan is a medical doctor with an MBA and extensive clinical and commercial healthcare experience.

Over the last four years, he has been integrally involved across Discovery Health’s strategy, operations, scheme risk management and ancillary healthcare services.

He also led Discovery Health’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, working closely with B4SA and the National Department of Health (NDoH) in the national vaccination project.

“I have every confidence in Ron’s inspirational leadership and ability; and in the depth and strength of the broader Discovery Health executive team to take the business forward,” said Gore.

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