A LEADING north Hampshire private hospital has appointed a new executive director.

South African Philip O’Ehley has stepped up to the helm of BMI The Hampshire Clinic, in Basing Road, Old Basing, and replaces Jan Hale.

Mrs Hale has moved on to an executive director post at BMI Clementine Churchill Hospital, in Harrow, after working with BMI The Hampshire Clinic in the same post since 1991.

Mr O’Ehley brings more than 15 years’ senior management experience, seven of which have been in the healthcare sector.

In 2002, he became general manager at the 188-bed Netcare Parklands Hospital, in Durban, South Africa. And in 2005, he moved upwards by taking an executive director position at the Netcare Umhlanga Hospital, also in Durban.

Here, he oversaw a massive expansion of the facility, making it a regional trauma centre with an increased capacity of 35 per cent. As a result, facility occupancies grew from 63 per cent to a current 76 per cent.

Mr O’Ehley said: “I am delighted to take up the executive director position. This is a marvellous opportunity to work with an exceptional and committed team and some of the most talented clinicians in the country.”

Mr O’Ehley began his career with the prestigious Royal Hotel in Durban – at the time South Africa’s leading hotel – after qualifying in hospitality management in 1990.

His achievements include an award as Young Hotelier of the Year in 1999, which came after he was appointed the youngest general manager of a five-star hotel in South Africa.

Mr O’Ehley is also trained as an emergency care practitioner and, until recently, volunteered for the emergency medical services in Southampton. He now lives in Hampshire with his wife Lee and four young sons.