Mediclinic International has appointed Dr Carel Aron (Ronnie) van der Merwe to the role of chief executive officer designate.

Van der Merwe, who is currently the group’s chief clinical officer, will succeed Danie Meintjes as chief executive on or before 1 August, once a date is agreed. Meintjes announced his retirement in July, saying that he would retire by the end of July 2018.

Van der Merwe joined Mediclinic in 1999 and has been a member of the group’s executive committee since 2008. He established the group’s clinical information, advanced analytics, health information managements, and clinical services functions and has been group chief clinical officer since 2007.

Mediclinic chairman Dr Edwin Hertzog commented: “The committee and the board were unanimous in their support for Ronnie, given his extensive knowledge of Mediclinic’s international operations and strong track record of driving enhancements especially in the quality and effectiveness of our clinical services.”

Van der Merwe said: “I am delighted to have been asked by the board to take over as Mediclinic’s next chief executive. I look forward to working with Danie and all Mediclinic colleagues, clinicians, customers, shareholders and other stakeholders, to ensure a smooth handover and address the challenges and opportunities facing our business in the near, medium and long term.”