Clutha Health First (CHF) clinical director Gary Reed stepped in as acting chief executive last week, and will fulfil both roles for the next six months while the facility finds a permanent replacement for Sharon Mason.
Mrs Mason is taking up a post as chief executive of the Selwyn District Council, which she begins on July 31.
She spent only six months at CHF, after replacing long-standing former chief executive Ray Anton at Christmas last year.
Mr Reed said he was looking forward to the challenge of heading the executive arm of the organisation.
"My appointment gives the board time to reconsider its strategic needs from a new chief executive in line with the significant changes happening in the health environment right now," Mr Reed said.
"I’ve not been a chief executive before, but as clinical director for the past 12 years you could say I’ve been boots and all into the strategic management and oversight of the facility, so it’s a good move for everybody to lead us through the current changes."
Clutha Community Health Company chairman Bill Thomson said Mr Reed was a "knowledgeable and experienced" interim replacement.
"Gary’s appointment will initially run for a period of six months to allow the board time to fully assess and determine the future management needs of the company.
"Gary has embraced the CEO role at a particularly challenging time for both Clutha Health First and the wider health sector.
"Our staff, and the Clutha community which we serve, can be greatly reassured as to the knowledge, experience and dedication he brings to this role."
