Abano Healthcare appoints CFO

Abano Healthcare Group Limited (NZX:ABA.NZ - News) today announced the appointment of Rachel Walsh, Abano’s current Group Commercial Manager, as its new Chief Financial Officer.

Rachel will commence as Chief Financial Officer in November 2015, when the current CFO/COO, Richard Keys, takes up the role of Chief Executive Officer.

Rachel joined Abano in March 2013 from Rank Group, where she was involved in acquisitions and divestments. Prior to this, she was a Director in Audit with PricewaterhouseCoopers and a member of PwC’s global network of accounting consulting services, where she focused on transactions, financial instruments and reporting under International Financial Reporting Standards.

Incoming CEO, Richard Keys, commented: "Rachel is a great fit for Abano, with a wide range of business and commercial knowledge. Her international experience, financial expertise and experience with M&A activity will be of significant value as we continue to grow our trans-Tasman footprint.

"Rachel stood out as the best and most capable applicant in the recruitment process and I am pleased that we were able to appoint an internal candidate. This is an endorsement of Abano’s policy to invest and develop talented people to ensure that there is a depth of experience, skills and capabilities in the senior management team. I am looking forward to working closely with Rachel as we continue to rollout Abano’s growth strategy."

The Chief Financial Officer is a key member of the Abano Executive team, and works closely with the CEO, with the purpose of delivering operational and commercial success for the Group through strong financial, capital and risk management.

Rachel holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is a member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and the Institute of Directors. She also sits on the Board of Trustees for St Cuthbert’s College.