Former Primary Health Care chief executive Peter Gregg has brushed off speculation he has joined the ranks of the Chinese company stalking the $2 billion ASX-listed company.
Mr Gregg told Fairfax Media that he "categorically denied" that he had taken up a role at Jangho since his departure from the group as tipped in an anslyst note.
"I categorically deny that I am working for Jangho. I'm on gardening leave at the moment. It is wrong," Mr Gregg said.
Primary has been contacted for comment.
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The chatter has led to a spike in Primary's share price in recent days, with the stock up 7.4 per cent, or 27c, to $3.90 at 11.30am on Friday.
The speculation comes just days after Mr Gregg left the company ahead of his arranged departure date in September.
Primary chief financial officer Malcolm Ashcroft will now take the helm until Primary's incoming boss Malcolm Parmenter joins the company in September.
He is vigorously defending the criminal charges and denies any wrong doing.
Mr Gregg is also suing Fairfax Media for defamation. That matter has been adjourned until the outcome of the criminal charges against Mr Gregg are resolved.
The speculation about Mr Gregg's new role was raised in a note from CLSA analysts to a select group of clients yesterday. The note has since been widely circulated throughout the market.
The note also builds on speculation that Jangho is planning to buy Primary Health Care, in part because of the belief of Mr Gregg's involvement with Jangho.
Mr Gregg was appointed CEO of Primary in September 2015 just months ahead of the death of the company's founder Edmund Bateman.