The Board of Directors of Life Healthcare Group Holdings Limited, one of South Africa’s largest healthcare providers, today announced the appointment of Peter Wharton-Hood to the position of Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director of the Company with effect from 1 September 2020.

Peter is a seasoned and proven business leader with strong global experience in strategy and operational delivery in complex and evolving environments. Peter also gained deep experience in running retail businesses, operations and information technology, whilst in executive positions with Standard Bank. During his time with Deutsche Bank (DB) in London, he was head of Operations for the Global Markets division and subsequently Global COO for the Corporate & Investment Banking division which included responsibility for technology and operations. He also managed the complex Brexit transition process for DB. Peter is a CA(SA) and has completed the Harvard Advanced Management Programme.

 “The Board is delighted to welcome Peter to the Company. Peter has a strong track record of successfully driving transformation programmes, both in South Africa and internationally, and has a genuine passion for diversity and inclusion as well as dealing with regulators across the globe. We have no doubt that his experience and expertise will prove invaluable to the continued success and sustainability of Life Healthcare. I am equally pleased to be handing over the reins of board leadership to Victor, whose industry knowledge and skills will certainly add significant value,” said Mustaq Brey.

The Board wishes to record its sincere appreciation to Pieter van der Westhuizen, the acting Group CEO, for his commitment and strong leadership during the transition period. Pieter has been a galvanizing force during these turbulent times, not only in leading the executive through the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that Life Healthcare continues to deliver to its patients, but also in dealing with the  recent cyber-attack.  Pieter, having been with the company for over 20 years, will also play a significant role in providing support to the new CEO.

Additionally, Chairman of the Board, Mustaq Brey has indicated to the Company, his intention to step down from his role at an appropriate time. As such, the Board began with a process to identify a suitable successor and is pleased to announce the appointment of Victor Litlhakanyane, a current independent non-executive director, as Chairman-designate, with immediate effect. Mustaq will remain with the Company until the conclusion of the Company’s annual general meeting (AGM) in 2021, where after Victor will assume the role.

Victor obtained his medical degree (MBChB) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 1988. He then completed a Masters in Medicine (Radiotherapy) postgraduate specialist degree at the University of the Free State in 1995, after which he registered as a Radiation and Clinical Oncologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). He also holds a Master´s in Business Administration in HealthCare from the University of the Free State. Victor currently serves as the Managing Director of Bigen Africa Health and Executive Director of Bigen Africa Group Holdings. Victor has vast experience across the public and private sector in practice and in management and the Board looks forward to his valuable contribution in the new role.