Hamish Brown will be the interim chief executive for Southern District Health Board for a three month period from July 1, current chief executive Chris Fleming announced yesterday.

"Mr Brown brings a wealth of knowledge of our health system, staff, and community to the interim chief executive role.

"His leadership experience, strategic thinking, empathy, and relationship building skills suit the Southern DHB well in our transition to Health NZ. He will report to the Health NZ chief executive following the disestablishment of the Southern DHB Board," Chris said.

Interim chief executive Hamish Brown takes the SDHB helm on July 1. PHOTO: Supplied

As interim chief executive, Hamish will be well supported locally by the experienced Southern District Health Board (SDHB) executive leadership team.

Hamish said he was excited to guide the SDHB team and our community into the next chapter and he looked forward to the transition into Health NZ.

"We will be working with a great national team and our focus remains on providing the best health care for our people."

Hamish joined SDHB in March 2019 as Programme Director for the new Dunedin hospital.

From March to November 2021, he worked as the senior responsible officer for the covid-19 vaccination rollout programme, before moving into the role of chief operating officer.

He previously worked as an emergency nurse, and in leadership roles on the West Coast and with the Canterbury District Health Board.

Chris resigned from the chief executive role in April, effective 30 June. He is stepping down to pursue new business opportunities with his family.