Barwon Health Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Barwon Health has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, regional operations, financial management, 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
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Jordon Beale
  • Head Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Commercial Finance - Lucy Evans
  • 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 organization. Diver manages the integration of maternity, mental health, and acute medical services across the regional network. By aligning clinical outcomes with long-term sustainability goals, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the delivery of high-quality care to the community. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine operational models and expand research capabilities. Frances Diver drives the organizational culture, fostering engagement among healthcare professionals and volunteers to improve patient experiences. Through rigorous oversight of institutional performance, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the financial and operational health of the entire system. Ultimately, Diver secures the future of the provider by balancing immediate medical demands with future-focused health initiatives.

    David Ashbridge - Regional Chief Executive Officer, Largest Health Service

    David Ashbridge, the Regional Chief Executive Officer, Largest Health Service at Barwon Health, manages complex medical operations across the primary service footprint. Ashbridge coordinates the delivery of specialized care, ensuring that regional facilities meet rigorous safety and quality standards. By optimizing resource allocation, the Regional Chief Executive Officer, Largest Health Service enhances the accessibility of essential medical services for the local population. This role requires constant interaction with clinical leads to streamline patient pathways and improve service efficiency. David Ashbridge drives regional growth by implementing evidence-based practices that support the broader mission of the organization. Through the management of large-scale health infrastructure, Ashbridge ensures that the facility remains a cornerstone of the community. Ultimately, the Regional Chief Executive Officer, Largest Health Service maintains operational excellence across all departments.

    Cobus Lotheringen - Chief Financial Officer

    Cobus Lotheringen, the Chief Financial Officer at Barwon Health, directs the fiscal strategy and resource management for the entire healthcare network. Lotheringen oversees capital planning, budgeting, and financial reporting to ensure the long-term viability of medical services. By analyzing economic trends and healthcare funding models, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial stability required to support research and environmental sustainability initiatives. This leadership role involves close coordination with the executive team to prioritize investments in new medical technologies and facility upgrades. Cobus Lotheringen drives fiscal accountability, ensuring that every dollar supports the core mission of patient care. Through the implementation of robust financial controls, Lotheringen mitigates risk and optimizes the allocation of funds across all departments. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for the organization to thrive.

    Jordon Beale - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Jordon Beale, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Barwon Health, manages the daily financial operations and accounting functions of the organization. Beale supports the development of comprehensive financial strategies by providing detailed analysis of operational costs and revenue streams. By monitoring departmental budgets, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer ensures that clinical teams possess the necessary resources to deliver high-quality patient care. This role involves frequent collaboration with the finance department to streamline billing processes and improve overall fiscal efficiency. Jordon Beale drives the implementation of new financial software to enhance reporting accuracy and transparency. Through the oversight of internal audits and compliance, Beale maintains the integrity of the financial systems. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer supports the broader financial health of the institution by maintaining rigorous control over operational expenditures.

    Lucy Evans - Head Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Commercial Finance

    Lucy Evans, the Head Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Commercial Finance at Barwon Health, directs the commercial strategy and revenue-generating activities of the organization. Evans manages partnerships and external contracts to ensure that commercial ventures align with the broader healthcare mission. By evaluating the profitability of specific service lines, the Head Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Commercial Finance optimizes the financial performance of the institution. This role involves negotiating complex agreements with vendors and service providers to reduce costs and improve supply chain efficiency. Lucy Evans drives the development of new revenue streams that support the Barwon Health Foundation and other community initiatives. Through the analysis of market data, Evans identifies opportunities for growth and expansion. Ultimately, the Head Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Commercial Finance secures the commercial interests of the organization to sustain long-term medical service delivery.

    Ajai Verma - Chief Medical Officer

    Ajai Verma, the Chief Medical Officer at Barwon Health, directs the clinical standards and medical practices across all hospital departments. Verma oversees the recruitment and performance of medical staff, ensuring that patient care meets the highest safety and quality benchmarks. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and research, the Chief Medical Officer drives innovation in treatment protocols and clinical outcomes. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the executive team to integrate medical expertise into strategic decision-making. Ajai Verma manages the implementation of new health technologies that improve diagnostic accuracy and patient recovery times. Through the oversight of clinical governance, Verma ensures that all medical services remain compliant with national standards. Ultimately, the Chief Medical Officer maintains the clinical excellence that defines the reputation of the organization.

    Barclay Fitzpatrick - Constant Patient Observer (Chief People Officer)

    Barclay Fitzpatrick, the Constant Patient Observer (Chief People Officer) at Barwon Health, directs the human resources strategy and workforce development initiatives. Fitzpatrick manages the recruitment, retention, and training of the diverse staff required to support the healthcare mission. By prioritizing employee well-being and professional growth, the Constant Patient Observer (Chief People Officer) ensures that the organization attracts and retains top-tier talent. This role involves designing programs that foster a supportive and inclusive work environment for healthcare professionals and volunteers. Barclay Fitzpatrick drives the implementation of performance management systems that align individual contributions with organizational goals. Through the oversight of labor relations and staff engagement, Fitzpatrick maintains a high-performing workforce. Ultimately, the Constant Patient Observer (Chief People Officer) secures the human capital necessary to deliver exceptional care to the community.

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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, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Head Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Commercial Finance.