Private hospital group Life Healthcare [JSE:LHC] has appointed Peter Wharton-Hood as its new CEO, six months after Shrey Viranna stepped down. Viranna has emigrated to Australia.

Wharton-Hood is the former chief operating officer for Deutsche Bank’s corporate and investment banking division.

He is taking over the reins at Life Healthcare from acting CEO Pieter van der Westhuizen. 

Mustaq Brey, the chairperson of Life Healthcare’s board, said Wharton-Hood has strong global regulatory experience.

“We have no doubt that his leadership will prove invaluable to the continued success and sustainability of Life Healthcare,” Brey said in a statement. 

The hospital group has also appointed the managing director of Bigen Africa Health, Victor Litlhakanyane, as its chairperson designate.