NHS Grampian is delighted to announce the appointments of two substantive Executive Directors, signalling a further important step forward when it comes to stabilising the organisation.
Jay O'Brien will join NHS Grampian later this year, following his appointment as Director of People & Culture.
Jay is a strategic leader with over 25 years’ experience in healthcare and government across Australia, New Zealand and the UK. He has a proven record in cultural transformation, patient and staff engagement, and human-centred design. He also has considerable experience in industrial relations, organisational development and Executive governance.
Currently the Executive Director of Strategy, Governance and Partnerships at the Women and Children’s Health Network in South Australia, Jay was previously the Director of People & Culture at NHS Orkney.
Jay said: "I am delighted to be joining NHS Grampian. We have a great opportunity to design the future together through the People, Leadership and Governance priority and the broader transformation programme, with a focus on ensuring a great experience for all colleagues. I'm also excited to be returning to Scotland, settling into life in Grampian, and meeting the team."
Jay will join NHS Grampian on 3 August 2026. Melanie Saunders will continue as interim director, supporting a full handover to Jay in the coming months.
Also set to join the health board is Gail Woodcock, who will take up the post of Director of Strategy, Transformation, and Performance on 8 June.
Gail brings over 30 years' experience in health and social care, culture, sport and community services. She is currently Chief Officer for Falkirk Integration Joint Board and Director of Health and Social Care for NHS Forth Valley and Falkirk Council, where she is responsible for driving collaboration between health and local authority partners to further improve outcomes for the local community. She has previously held a range of senior leadership roles including Managing Director for Bon Accord Care and Transformation Lead for Aberdeen Health and Social Care Partnership and Head of Integration in Falkirk.
Gail said: “I am delighted to have been offered this important role. Having worked within the Grampian system previously, I deeply appreciate the commitment, skill and compassion of colleagues across our services. I look forward to working with colleagues and partners across the region as we build on the progress already made and continue to improve outcomes for the people and communities we serve.”
Chief Executive, Laura Skaife-Knight added: "Recruiting Gail and Jay is an important step forward in stabilising the organisation via substantive appointments, starting with our Executive Team. We are very fortunate to be able to benefit from the breadth and depth of their experience; I am very much looking forward to working with them both and continuing to lead NHS Grampian forward so we can make year-on-year improvements to patient and staff experience."