St John of God Hospitaller Services Group (SJOG HSG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Jerry Dempsey as its new Group Chief Executive Officer. Jerry brings over 25 years of executive management experience at Board and C-suite levels. His background spans healthcare services, pharmaceuticals and environmental services in Ireland, the UK, and the USA.
Jerry has extensive experience leading mission-driven organisations in regulated multi-stakeholder environments where trust, compliance and service quality are paramount.
Previous roles held include Managing Director of Greenstar, CEO of Ashfield Healthcare USA and Chief Commercial Officer of healthcare and life sciences company Complete Laboratory Solutions. Jerry has led organisations through periods of significant growth and transformation while successfully balancing commercial acumen and financial sustainability underpinned by a strong person-centred approach.
In addition to his executive roles, Jerry has contributed his expertise as a consultant across a variety of sectors, supporting both commercial ventures and not-for-profit organisations. He also brings a commitment to community engagement, evidenced by voluntary governance roles in the education sector.
His breadth of experience positions him to professionally progress the ongoing transformation of St John of God Hospitaller Services Group and its affiliated entities, while championing the enduring values of compassion, hospitality and respect that are central to the mission and purpose of St John of God.
Today’s CEO announcement coincides with further changes in board membership arrangements in line with ongoing governance reforms. The formation of SJOG HSG commenced in 2006 when the Hospitaller Order of St John of God (the Order) began planning for a future where the Brothers would no longer lead the mission, due to advancing age and declining vocations. A series of developments over the intervening years, has led to a planned reduction of Order involvement across both the operations and governance of the SJOG entities.
The next phase of the ongoing transition process will see the remaining Irish and UK Brothers now stepping down from the SJOG HSG and SJOG Malawi Boards and transitioning off all remaining entity Boards by the end of 2025. This will mark a pivotal moment in the organisation’s evolution, entrusting leadership and governance fully in the hands of committed lay people.
Speaking upon his appointment, Jerry Dempsey said, “I am honoured to take up the role of Group CEO at this transformative time for the St John of God Group. The Order has laid a remarkable foundation for the task ahead with over a century and half of dedicated service and leadership. I am confident we can continue to fulfill the mission of Saint John of God by building a cohesive, resilient and sustainable future, adapting to emerging requirements and meeting unmet need while delivering impactful, compassionate care to those in need. Ensuring the dignity and well-being of the people we are entrusted to support and helping them to reach their full potential, remains our central focus.”
Dr Tony Hanna, Chair of SJOG HSG Board noted “We are delighted to confirm Jerry Dempsey’s appointment as Group CEO. He brings a wealth of professional experience and corporate expertise to this role as we enter a new era in the Group’s development. We acknowledge the invaluable contribution the Order has made over the past 150 years in helping the most vulnerable in our society. We will continue to lead the services with the utmost respect and commitment to that legacy. “
SJOG HSG also wishes to confirm the appointment of William J. Carlos to its Board. Mr. Carlos has had a distinguished career with Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs. The Board of St John of God Hospitaller Services Malawi recently appointed, Dr Lillian Chirwa, Director of Health and Social Services for Mzuzu City Council, as its new Chair. Both appointments are very welcome additions to the organisation. 
The new leadership transition announcements underscore SJOG HSG and the St John of God group of entities’ commitment to its mission of supporting the most vulnerable. The organisation looks forward to a future guided by the values and legacy of the Order, with renewed energy and dedication from its lay leadership.