Our Leadership

Exceptional care that makes a difference.

Mercy Hospital is a not-for-profit organisation with charitable status, owned by Whānau Mercy Ministry Trust. Entrusted to continue the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Hospital’s executive and governance teams provide leadership and expertise.

Executive Team

Richard Whitney

Chief Executive Officer

Richard joined Mercy Hospital as Chief Executive Officer in February 2009. Richard’s career in health has been diverse and extensive, beginning with St John as both a cadet and then a paramedic. After receiving his BA Hons and diploma in economics through the University of Otago, Richard worked in health leadership roles across public, private, primary, secondary and policy sectors both in New Zealand and overseas. As a mature student, Richard also completed a Master’s in Health Management through Massey University.  

In addition to his CEO role, Richard currently holds Directorships with joint ventures Mercy Heart Centre and Mercy Cancer Care. Prior Directorships have included both not for profit and commercial entities. Richard was elected to the New Zealand Private Surgical Hospital Association (NZPSHA) Executive in 2011, taking the lead in the Health Workforce Development portfolio. Richard is currently the President of the NZPSHA and a member of the Business Leaders’ Health & Safety Forum.

Simone Curran-Becker

Chief Operating Officer

Andrew Taggart

Chief Financial Officer

Andrew (BCom, BE) joined Mercy Hospital in 2010. He is responsible for the finance, accounting and administration functions. A Chartered Accountant, Andrew has previously held a number of senior management and financial roles, predominantly in service industries.  Andrew brings broad experience in business strategy, planning and financial matters.

Ange McNulty

Chief People Officer

Ange joined Mercy Hospital as Human Resources Manager in 2019. Ange is an alumni of the University of Otago and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in management. Ange began her human resources career in Auckland initially in the recruitment sector, before moving into generalist HR roles predominately in large multi-site businesses, in the retail/trade sector.

Ange has an employee centric approach, and is passionate about providing HR support and strategies that foster a highly engaged, agile workforce, now and into the future. Ange’s role at Mercy covers the full HR remit inclusive of recruitment, learning and development, diversity and inclusion, wellbeing and engagement, supported by a small HR team. Ange is a Chartered Member of HRNZ.

Murray Heke

Chief Transformation Officer

Board of Directors

Lauren Semple

Chairperson

Craig Wyatt
Leanne Illingworth
Mike Collins
Justine Camp
David Perez
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