HBDHB appoints Ray Lind to position of Chief Operating Officer
Hawke’s Bay District Health Board chief executive officer, Chris Clarke, announced the appointment of Mr Ray Lind to the
position of chief operating officer.
“From a field of 47 applicants, and after a rigorous selection process, I am absolutely delighted to appoint someone
with Ray’s experience to this key position leading Healthcare Services, the provider arm of the organisation,” Chris
Clarke said.
“The interview panel included Chris Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, an external human resource consultant, Graham
Ewing, Board chair, Kevin Atkinson, ORL specialist Dr David Grayson, Manager of ED, ICU & Radiology, Chris McKenna and General Manager of Planning & Funding, Sue Peacock.
“His experience ranges from a New Zealand Army Regular Force Captain to Director of External Relations for the
Wellington City Council, and General Manager – Special Projects for the New Zealand Engineering, Printing and
Manufacturing Union. He has also worked as a management consultant advising chief executive officers and senior managers
in a range of organisations in New Zealand and South East Asia.
“His experience in the health sector includes working with the Ministry of Health on developing strategic and business
plans, working with the Pharmaceutical Society; the New Zealand Medical Association; introducing a performance
management system to Hutt Valley Health, and a training and change management consulting role with the former Health
Funding Authority.
“Ray has a proven track record and a management style which fits perfectly with the values we are developing within the
executive leadership team. His people skills are a real strength, as is his ability to think strategically, while not
losing sight of the detail. Developing relationships and bringing out the best in people are skills he will put to good
use in this role.
“‘Since the departure of Anne Heast at the end of July, Mollie Wilson has been acting Chief Operating Officer. She has
done a fantastic job, particularly with the development and introduction of the clinical leadership model across the
organisation,” Chris Clarke said.
The Chief Operating Officer is accountable to the Chief Executive Officer for the leadership of 1600 staff working in
Hawke’s Bay Hospital, health centres in Wairoa, Napier Central Hawke’s Bay and the Chatham Islands and a range of
community services The total revenue for Healthcare Services (the provider arm of the organisation) is over $200
million.
“It’s a great time to be joining Hawke’s Bay District Health Board, as they have a growing reputation as an innovative
board, committed to making a difference,” Ray Lind said. Ray Lind is married to the Minister of Health, the Hon. Annette
King.