The Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Tooth as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 January 2025.
NQPHN Board Chair Jeff Stewart-Harris said Mr Tooth had extensive executive leadership experience as the Cairns Private Hospital CEO, holding various roles on the NQPHN Board, and more recently stepping in as the organisation’s Interim CEO.
“Ben has demonstrated his wealth of experience while in the role and has the added advantage of understanding NQPHN’s business and the health landscape in which the organisation operates, intimately,” Mr Stewart-Harris said.
“Evidenced by his short time as Interim CEO, supported by his time on the NQPHN Board, and being an experienced CEO, the Board and I are confident in Ben’s ability to lead the organisation toward continued success and innovation.
“Under Ben’s leadership, we look forward to NQPHN achieving its goals and driving growth for the organisation.”
Mr Tooth, who is based in Cairns, said he was grateful for the opportunity to lead Northern Queensland PHN as its CEO.
“Northern Queensland PHN is a wonderful organisation and I recognise the responsibility that comes with the role,” Mr Tooth said.
“I’m excited about the year to come and working with our fantastic team to achieve positive outcomes for North Queenslanders.
“In the first half of this year, we’ll be developing a new Strategic Plan, which is an exciting opportunity to shape our direction for the years ahead.”
Mr Tooth’s appointment follows former CEO Sean Rooney’s difficult decision to step down due to health reasons.
“The Board and I would like to express our deep appreciation for Sean’s contribution to NQPHN in his short time as CEO and we wish him well on his journey to good health,” Mr Stewart-Harris said.
The recruitment process to appoint a new CEO was undertaken by Executive Quarter, a reputable recruitment company with deep health sector experience. There were more than 70 applications.