Health Board takes its time over successor

By REBECCA WALSH health reporter

Auckland's new health chief is likely to be a foreigner.

Dr Margaret Horsburgh, deputy chairwoman of the Auckland District Health Board, said a decision had yet to be made about the replacement process but given the size and complexities of the job, it was likely to be an international appointment.

"The organisation is going through an immense amount of change as it goes into the new hospital. We need to think through what would be the best timing to appoint a CEO. So I think there's probably a shorter-term answer and a longer-term answer and that's what we need to talk about."

In the short term, Garry Smith, the board's chief funding and planning officer, and Marek Stepniak, its chief operations officer, would jointly take over Graeme Edmond's role. Mr Edmond resigned on Tuesday, citing a difference of views between himself and the board.

Mr Stepniak, who joined the board last year, has more than 15 years' experience in the health sector, including senior management positions at hospitals in Australia.

Mr Smith was chief executive of Health Waikato before managing Christchurch Hospital. He was also chief executive of the White Cross Group (accident and medical centres) before joining the Auckland board in June 2001.

Dr Horsburgh said the replacement process was likely to be discussed at the next board meeting in August.

"My expectation is that it will not be a huge item on the board [agenda] because the direction is business as usual. There's a short-term arrangement in place. We don't have to panic about this."

Dr Horsburgh said the new chief executive would need outstanding leadership and management skills, and plenty of "political nous". It was not like running a private company.

An Auckland recruitment specialist said the board might look to people working in the Australian or British public sector.

People working in the private sector may find the job unattractive in terms of remuneration and its high, often negative, media profile. She estimated someone working in an equivalent job in the private sector could earn up to $1 million.