Cork University Hospital Appoints Jennifer Kearney As New CEO

Cork University Hospital (CUH) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Kearney as its new Chief Executive Officer. Jennifer, who hails from Borrisokane in Co. Tipperary, brings a wealth of strategic vision to the role, gained from over 22 years working in the UK healthcare system in leadership positions.

Throughout her career, Jennifer has excelled in delivering high-quality patient care with balanced and responsible financial oversight and notably she has led major hospital systems through transformative change. Her most recent role was Deputy Chief Operating Officer at the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) where she oversaw financial strategy and achieved national targets on waiting lists and cancer backlogs. 

Prior to that, she served as Associate Director of Operations at Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) where she led the Intensive Care Unit safely through the pandemic, implemented Robotic Assisted Surgery and developed an analytical tool to aid swift recovery of waiting lists. 

Jennifer Kearney, CUH CEO stated “For me, this is a personal and professional honour, to return to Ireland after so many years and take the helm of an institution as respected and vital as CUH.” 

 “CUH is already a great hospital, thanks to the extraordinary staff who work here every day with dedication, compassion, and professionalism. I’ve been deeply impressed by the team’s commitment and energy. I see a positive and ambitious future for CUH, and I want to be part of shaping it.” 

Jennifer is a strong believer in the principle that financial stewardship in a publicly funded system is not only essential, but a moral duty. She and her family have chosen Cork to be their forever home and she wants to build on the already incredible services provided at CUH. Since June, she has started working alongside the expert staff on the ground and she has a deep commitment to supporting CUH’s mission of delivering world-class healthcare to the people of Cork and beyond. 

Jennifer holds a degree in psychology (BSc) and a masters in law Masters (LLM) with a specialisation in Medical law & Ethics, Corporate Governance & Human Rights, from the University of London. CUH, for its part, looks forward to this exciting new chapter and welcomes the new CEO as she leads the hospital into a future defined by excellence, innovation, and collaboration.