Russell Simpson

Russell Simpson
Chief Executive at Whanganui District Health Board

Russell began his career at Hutt Hospital as a Physiologist. In 2001 he left the DHB to take up a Scholarship with the Wellington School of Medicine and completed a Masters in Health Science (Rehabilitation). He returned to the DHB in 2005.

In 2007, Russell was appointed as the Clinical Leader of the Chronic Pain Service. In July 2009, he was appointed as the Executive Director, Allied Health, Scientific & Technical, Wairarapa and Hutt Valley DHBs. Russell left Wairarapa and Hutt Valley DHBs in 2016 to take up a national Group Manager role with Healthcare New Zealand, leading a team working primarily with clients who have high complex health needs. In 2018 Russell commenced as the Chief Executive at Whanganui DHB.

Russell sits on a number of regional and national groups advocating for a collaborative partnership between all professions to ensure the best possible delivery of healthcare to our population. Russell also encourages working across sectors, and breaking down the artificial divides that exist across our health and social systems for the betterment of improving population outcomes.

In his spare time Russell enjoys mountain running and spending time with his family. He has set his sights on the Mt Everest marathon in May this year, as his bucket list challenge for 2018.