The Health Information and Quality Authority has appointed Phelim Quinn as its new chief executive.
Mr Quinn has been acting as interim chief executive, following the departure of his predecessor Tracey Cooper and retirement of the deputy chief executive Prof Jane Grimson.
He joined the agency in November 2012 as director of regulation and chief inspector of social services, having previously work in Northern Ireland's equivalent to Hiqa, the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority.
Announcing the appointment, Hiqa chairman Brian McEnery said Mr Quinn was a highly motivated professional with outstanding leadership qualities.
“Phelim has an undoubted commitment to maintaining the independence of the authority, and ensuring the best interests of all people using our health and social care services are central to our mission.”
Mr Quinn said a key priority would be to ensure the agency’s role safeguarded the most vulnerable in society. He takes up the post immediately.
