Aspen Medical has appointed Fijian citizen Gavin Whiteside as Acting Chief Executive Officer of its operations in Fiji. This appointment follows the resignation of Annette Owttrim, who has stepped down to spend more time with her family in Western Australia.
Annette has been with Aspen Medical for 19 years, helping to shape it into one of the world’s leading providers of healthcare solutions. Her last day in the role will be 12 May 2023.
“It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to have served the incredible people of Fiji over the past few years. I have made lifelong friends whilst I have been in this amazing country. I would like to thank my team, the FNPF and the Government of Fiji for their support and patience as we set about bringing world-class healthcare to Fiji,” she said.
Annette oversaw the successful transition of Ba and Lautoka Hospitals to Aspen Medical to manage as public hospitals in April last year. Since then, Fiji has seen the introduction of ongoing cardiac surgeries, investment in state-of-the-art clinical equipment including x-ray and mammogram machines, a commitment to employ people with disabilities and to work with the University of Fiji to train the next generation of Fijian clinicians.
Gavin also brings significant experience in leading people, managing health facilities, and working across the Pacific including in the Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Nauru and Papua New Guinea (PNG). He was previously awarded the Aspen Medical Employee of the Year for his outstanding management of the company’s PNG business.
“Annette leaves behind an incredible team. Her passion for the people of Fiji has been well noted and I am looking forward to being back in my first home to continue her great work in creating a world-class healthcare service for all Fijians. A lot has been done but there is more to do,” he said.