Barwon Health Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Barwon Health has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, regional health operations, financial management, commercial finance, medical oversight, and human resources.

Committed to community wellness and environmental sustainability, Barwon Health delivers comprehensive medical services while advancing clinical research and supporting local health initiatives through the Barwon Health Foundation.

Leadership Roles at Barwon Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - Frances Diver
  • Regional Chief Executive Officer, Largest Health Service - David Ashbridge
  • Chief Financial Officer - Cobus Lotheringen
  • Head Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Commercial Finance - Lucy Evans
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Jordon Beale
  • Chief Medical Officer - Ajai Verma
  • Constant Patient Observer (Chief People Officer) - Barclay Fitzpatrick
  • Frances Diver - Chief Executive Officer

    Frances Diver, the Chief Executive Officer at Barwon Health, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire healthcare network. Overseeing the integration of maternity and mental health services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that clinical standards remain high across all facilities. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to align organizational goals with community health needs. By prioritizing research and environmental sustainability, Frances Diver drives the long-term mission of the organization. Diver manages the complex operational landscape of the hospital system, ensuring that patients, visitors, and healthcare professionals receive optimal support. Through rigorous oversight of institutional performance, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the reputation of the provider as a cornerstone of regional health. Ultimately, Diver secures the future of the organization by fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in every department.

    David Ashbridge - Regional Chief Executive Officer, Largest Health Service

    David Ashbridge, the Regional Chief Executive Officer, Largest Health Service at Barwon Health, manages the expansive operational requirements of the primary medical facilities. Coordinating large-scale health service delivery, the Regional Chief Executive Officer, Largest Health Service ensures that clinical resources reach the community efficiently. This role involves managing the logistical demands of high-volume patient care while maintaining strict safety protocols. David Ashbridge optimizes the deployment of medical staff and equipment to meet the diverse needs of the population. By focusing on regional health outcomes, the Regional Chief Executive Officer, Largest Health Service strengthens the impact of the organization across the broader territory. Ashbridge monitors performance metrics to identify areas for operational improvement and service expansion. Through consistent engagement with clinical teams, the Regional Chief Executive Officer, Largest Health Service guarantees that the largest health service remains responsive to evolving medical challenges.

    Cobus Lotheringen - Chief Financial Officer

    Cobus Lotheringen, the Chief Financial Officer at Barwon Health, governs the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire organization. Managing the allocation of capital toward medical services and research initiatives, the Chief Financial Officer ensures long-term financial stability. This role involves rigorous oversight of revenue cycles and expenditure to support the mission of the Barwon Health Foundation. Cobus Lotheringen directs the financial strategy, providing the necessary resources for infrastructure upgrades and clinical advancements. By analyzing economic trends, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates fiscal risks while maximizing the impact of available funding. Lotheringen collaborates with other executive leaders to align financial goals with the broader organizational strategy. Through precise management of assets and liabilities, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal integrity required to deliver high-quality healthcare services to the community, ensuring that every dollar contributes to improved patient outcomes.

    Lucy Evans - Head Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Commercial Finance

    Lucy Evans, the Head Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Commercial Finance at Barwon Health, oversees the commercial financial operations and revenue-generating activities. Analyzing market opportunities, the Head Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Commercial Finance ensures that commercial ventures align with the core healthcare mission. This role involves managing complex financial contracts and partnerships that support the sustainability of medical services. Lucy Evans directs the commercial finance team to optimize revenue streams and improve operational efficiency. By evaluating the financial viability of new projects, the Head Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Commercial Finance provides critical data for strategic decision-making. Evans works closely with the finance department to ensure compliance and fiscal transparency across all commercial engagements. Through meticulous financial planning, the Head Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Commercial Finance secures the resources necessary for the organization to continue providing essential maternity and mental health services to the community.

    Jordon Beale - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Jordon Beale, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Barwon Health, supports the financial leadership team by managing internal audits and budgetary controls. Overseeing the day-to-day financial operations, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer ensures that departmental spending remains within established parameters. This role involves monitoring cash flow and preparing detailed financial reports for the executive leadership. Jordon Beale implements cost-saving measures that enhance the efficiency of medical service delivery. By maintaining accurate financial records, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer facilitates informed decision-making across the organization. Beale collaborates with various departments to ensure that financial resources are utilized effectively to support patient care and research initiatives. Through consistent oversight of financial processes, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer strengthens the fiscal foundation of the provider. Jordon Beale plays a vital role in maintaining the financial health of the organization, ensuring that resources are always available for critical community health needs.

    Ajai Verma - Chief Medical Officer

    Ajai Verma, the Chief Medical Officer at Barwon Health, directs the clinical standards and medical practices across all healthcare facilities. Overseeing the quality of patient care, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that medical teams adhere to the highest safety and ethical guidelines. This role involves leading clinical research initiatives and integrating evidence-based practices into daily operations. Ajai Verma manages the professional development of medical staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. By collaborating with other executives, the Chief Medical Officer aligns clinical goals with the overall mission of the organization. Verma monitors patient outcomes to identify opportunities for enhancing the quality of maternity and mental health services. Through rigorous clinical governance, the Chief Medical Officer maintains the reputation of the provider as a leader in medical excellence. Ajai Verma ensures that every patient receives compassionate and effective care, driving the organization toward superior health outcomes.

    Barclay Fitzpatrick - Constant Patient Observer (Chief People Officer)

    Barclay Fitzpatrick, the Constant Patient Observer (Chief People Officer) at Barwon Health, manages the human resources strategy and organizational culture. Overseeing talent acquisition and staff retention, the Constant Patient Observer (Chief People Officer) ensures that the workforce remains highly skilled and motivated. This role involves developing programs that support the well-being of healthcare professionals and volunteers. Barclay Fitzpatrick directs initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization. By fostering a positive work environment, the Constant Patient Observer (Chief People Officer) enhances the overall quality of patient care. Fitzpatrick collaborates with the leadership team to align human capital strategies with the broader mission of the provider. Through effective management of personnel policies, the Constant Patient Observer (Chief People Officer) ensures that the organization attracts and retains top talent. Barclay Fitzpatrick drives the cultural transformation necessary to support the long-term success of the healthcare network.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Barwon Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Barwon Health?
    Barwon Health is led by Frances Diver (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as David Ashbridge (Regional Chief Executive Officer, Largest Health Service) and Cobus Lotheringen (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Barwon Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Barwon Health includes leaders such as Frances Diver (Chief Executive Officer), David Ashbridge (Regional Chief Executive Officer, Largest Health Service), Cobus Lotheringen (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Barwon Health have?
    Barwon Health has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Barwon Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Barwon Health includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Largest Health Service, Chief Financial Officer, Head Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Commercial Finance, Deputy Chief Financial Officer.