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Friendly Society appoints new CEO

Friday 28th January, 2022

The Friendly Society Private Hospital in Bundaberg, Queensland, has announced Simone Finch will be its new chief executive officer (CEO).

Ms Finch will replace long-time CEO Alan Cooper, who revealed last July that he planned to retire in mid-2022.

"After an extensive recruitment process, we are pleased to welcome Simone into the role," hospital board chairman Les Hancock said.

Ms Finch brings a significant level of experience as an executive across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, specialising in strategic development, mediation and governance.

She was most recently the acting chief operating officer at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, providing operational support and leadership at the organisation during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Previously, Ms Finch led a hospital health service in the far north of the state, and a primary health network in a rural region.

Ms Finch starts with the hospital on Monday 31 January and will work closely with Mr Cooper and the current executive team for a comprehensive handover.

Mr Hancock said such change at the not-for-profit hospital – which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2021– would mean a period of adjustment "for all parties involved".

"Alan has held the office for more than 24 years, which was a strong period of growth and development and working closely with the board," he said.

"We are confident Simone will continue to strengthen the focus and strategic direction of the hospital and its interests into the future."

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