Bupa has announced that its Asia Pacific CEO Hisham El-Ansary will step down from his role on 31 March 2023.
Mr El-Ansary joined Bupa in 2008 as its chief financial officer and was appointed CEO in April 2019, having undertaken a number of senior executive roles within the organisation.
After nearly 15 years, Hisham has decided it is the right time to start the process of transitioning to a new leader.
Bupa Group CEO Iñaki Ereño said, “Hisham has made a significant and lasting contribution to Bupa during his years with us. Throughout this time, he has led with clear purpose and strong conviction; a true exemplar of our values as he continued to evolve the culture and engagement of our people. On behalf of all of us at Bupa, I wish Hisham and his family all the very best.”
Bupa ANZ chairman Bryan Mogridge said, “While Hisham will remain with Bupa until March next year, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank him, on behalf of the Board, our executive team and our people, for his leadership of Bupa.
“Hisham has a genuine passion for improving healthcare outcomes and will leave a lasting legacy,” Mr Mogridge said.
“I’d like to acknowledge some of his key achievements including his significant involvement in the highly successful merger and integration of Bupa’s acquisition of MBF in 2008, his establishment and leadership of our health provision business, Bupa Health Services from 2015, and in more recent times, the steadfast manner in which he led the company through the challenges of the Aged Care Royal Commission and the COVID pandemic.
“Hisham has a genuine passion for improving healthcare outcomes and will leave a lasting legacy.
“He leaves Bupa APAC in a better place with a unique culture and a wonderful team ready to meet the healthcare challenges of the future,” said Mr Mogridge.
Mr El-Ansary said, “Leading Bupa has been a tremendous honour and privilege.
“My time at Bupa has been deeply rewarding, and I’m very proud of what we have collectively been able to achieve. I’m especially proud of the way we have been able to balance performance with care, enabling us to continue to evolve our culture.
“While challenges remain, I truly believe Bupa is well-positioned to deliver strong and sustainable performance to meet the changing healthcare needs of our customers.
“I’d like to thank the Board and my colleagues across the Bupa world, and particularly our people in the Asia Pacific region, for their commitment and support. Renewal is vital for organisations and the individuals within them, and after nearly four years as APAC CEO, it’s time to hand over the reins to a new leader who will guide Bupa through the next phase of its evolution,” he added.
The company said an international search process to find Mr El-Ansary’s replacement has commenced and will include consideration of both internal and external candidates.