Nationality: South African
Date of appointment: Group CEO since June 2018
As a qualified anaesthesiologist in private practice, Dr Van der Merwe gained extensive experience in trauma and elective anaesthesia, intensive care management, and the management of acute and chronic pain. During his involvement in the medical insurance industry, he gained healthcare data management and analytics expertise. He also displays proficiency in clinical leadership and management, as well as in developing and implementing strategic goals.
Dr Van der Merwe has extensive knowledge of Mediclinic’s international operations and a strong track record of managing quality and effectiveness. He established the Advanced Analytics, Clinical Information, Clinical Services and Health Information Management functions at Mediclinic, contributing to the growth of the Group.
Dr Van der Merwe has Group-wide experience and possesses in-depth knowledge of Mediclinic’s workings, having held a variety of senior roles within the Company. He joined the Company in 1999 and as Chief Clinical Officer took responsibility for various aspects of the business prior to his appointment as executive director and Group CEO of Mediclinic. He was an executive director of Mediclinic International Ltd from 2010, up to the reverse takeover of Al Noor Hospitals Group plc. He was appointed as an executive director and Group CEO of Mediclinic, with effect from 1 June 2018 and also serves as a non-executive director on the board of Spire since 24 May 2018 under the terms of the shareholder agreement between Spire and Mediclinic.
Qualifications
Van der Merwe holds an MBChB (Stellenbosch University); a DA (SA) (College of Anaesthetists of South Africa); the FCA (SA) (Fellowship of the College of Anaesthetists of South Africa); and has completed the Advanced Management Program (Harvard Business School).