Andrew Swanson-Dobbs works for the Midland Health Network as a general manager, and has previously been chief executive of Nelson Bays Primary Health.
WellSouth, the local primary health organisation for Otago and Southland, oversees primary health services for more than 300,000 patients and serves 84 general practices.
Mr Swanson-Dobbs replaces Ian Macara, who has headed WellSouth for eight years.
While not officially retiring - ''he doesn't like the word'' - Mr Macara was moving on to new challenges, WellSouth chairman Doug Hill said.
Mr Swanson-Dobbs joins WellSouth as the organisation plays its part in implementing the southern district primary and community care plan.
Dr Hill said Mr Swanson-Dobbs had been instrumental in implementing the health care homes concept in Midcentral, and would be invaluable in helping understanding of the new concept of modern, integrated general practice in the southern region.
''His skill set will take us to the next level of the strategy,'' Dr Hill said,
Dr Hill paid tribute to Mr Macara's contribution to WellSouth.
''There is never a good time for someone of Ian's abilities to leave. He has been an outstanding chief executive and we will miss him dearly.''
Mr Swanson-Dobbs starts his new role in March.
