Woolworths’ head of supermarkets Natalie Davis has been appointed CEO at Australia’s largest private hospital operator, Ramsay Health Care.
Davis is an accomplished senior executive leader with extensive experience driving strategic transformation, customer focus and growth.
Most recently, she was Managing Director for Woolworths Supermarkets in Australia, leading 130,000 employees across 1,000 sites and delivering increased market share, sales, productivity and team engagement.
She joined Woolworths in 2015, and before that, had spent 15 years at consultant McKinsey & Co., where she worked in the UK and Australia, advising on strategy and commercial transformation.
Davis holds an MBA from INSEAD France, and Bachelor of Commerce and Law degrees with Honours, from the University of Sydney. She is also a member of Chief Executive Women.
Davis will commence as Group CEO-elect at Ramsay Health Care, and, following a transition period, will commence as Managing Director and Group CEO later this year.
“Ramsay makes a positive difference in the health and lives of millions of people in communities across Australia, Europe and the UK. The company’s 60-year history is testament to the amazing teams who deliver the very best patient care,” Davis said on her appointment as CEO.
“What truly excites me is the potential to build on that legacy, as we innovate for the future.”
Ramsay Chair David Thodey said that Davis was selected unanimously after the Board had undertaken an intensive and competitive global selection process.
“In carefully weighing Ramsay’s performance and strategy, the Board made a conscious decision to select a proven and dynamic leader who has successfully mastered large-scale business transformation during periods of uncertainty and market disruption,” Thodey said, adding that her strategic outlook and experience in different markets makes her “well-equipped” to accelerate Ramsay’s growth.
“Her data-driven understanding of customer needs, along with a focus on digital innovation and operational excellence, has resulted in a clear record of success,” he said.
“The Board is confident Natalie has the agility, energy, vision and enterprise capability that are critical to achieving Ramsay’s goals and fuelling long-term shareholder value.”
Davis is replacing the long-serving Managing Director & Group CEO Craig McNally in the role.
At Woolworths, Davis is leaving the company at the same time as departing group boss Brad Banducci is concluding his tenure.
“For the last four years as managing director, Woolworths supermarkets, Natalie has been a very purposeful leader and championed a number of initiatives that are key to our future, but her single biggest achievement has been the immense care she has shown for our team,” Banducci said.
“We wish her every success in her new role.”