Netcare CEO Richard Friedland to retire early

Netcare announced today that its CEO, Dr Richard Friedland, will be stepping down from his position at the company.

The company informed shareholders today that Friedland will be taking early retirement and stepping down from his current role as CEO and an Executive Director of the Board from 30 September 2024.

Friedland has been with the company for 30 years and has served as its CEO for 18 of those years.

“The Board is grateful for the outstanding way in which Richard has humbly and successfully guided and transformed the Group, often through difficult and unprecedented times,” said Netcare chairman Mark Bower.

“He steered Netcare through the challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, serving on the ‘front line’ and supporting the provision of quality care to over 160,000 South Africans.”

During Friedland’s tenure, Netcare has grown into the largest hospital group in South Africa. 

In his 18 years as CEO, Netcare has built five new flagship hospitals, expanded its services across ten platforms, and founded several business units, including Netcare 911, Netcare Diagnostics and NetcarePlus. 

“This has been a considerable team effort, and I am grateful to the Board and my leadership team for their constant support, guidance and collaboration,” said Friedland.

“I remain especially grateful to my fellow healthcare co-workers: nurses, doctors, paramedics, allied health professionals, pharmacists, administrators, technical and support teams who are the bedrock of all we do.”

“We understand our purpose and calling, and I remain confident that the Group will continue on its solid trajectory.”

Bower said that the company will aim to appoint Friedland’s successor by the end of September 2023.