Private healthcare provider and insurer Bupa has appointed Evelyn Bourke as chief executive.

Bourke (pictured) had been acting chief executive since 4 April 2016 when her predecessor Stuart Fletcher stepped down following disappointing financial results at Bupa. Prior to that, Bourke had been the chief financial officer at the organisation.

Bupa chairman Alexander Leitch said: "We are delighted to appoint Evelyn as chief executive of Bupa. She has exceptional talents in financial services, healthcare, risk and capital management, strategy, and mergers and acquisitions.”

Commenting on her promotion, Bourke said: "I am honoured to become Bupa's chief executive. Bupa is a fantastic organisation with dedicated and talented people focused on delivering great customer service and care in today's fast-paced and changing world. I am committed to ensuring we put our customers and our people at the centre of everything we do." 

A new chief financial officer has also been confirmed at the group. Joy Linton had been acting chief financial officer since 1 May 2016 and subject to regulatory approval will take on the post permanently. She has over 25 years’ experience in financial and strategic roles in Australia and the UK.