Kitchener, ON, June 9, 2026 – Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) announced today that Ron Gagnon, President & CEO of WRHN, will retire March 31, 2027, following a distinguished career in healthcare leadership and system transformation.
Since joining Grand River Hospital in 2018 and later serving as the inaugural President & CEO of WRHN, Gagnon led during a period of historical and significant transformation for healthcare in Waterloo Region. His leadership helped advance innovation, quality and service delivery improvements, supported a regional COVID-19 response, while preparing for the future of healthcare in a fast-growing region. Most notably, the planning for a new hospital and the creation of WRHN marked historical transformation.
“Ron Gagnon has provided extraordinary leadership during a period of profound challenges and change in healthcare, and his vision, steadiness, and commitment to putting people first have helped shape a stronger future for care in our region,” says Janet Davidson, Chair of the WRHN Board of Directors. “On behalf of the Board, I want to express our deep gratitude for Ron’s remarkable contributions. We are confident that WRHN is well positioned for the future, and we are committed to a careful and comprehensive search for the organization’s next President and CEO.”
The Board of Directors will begin a thoughtful recruitment process for WRHN’s next President and CEO, and is working with Promeus, an executive search firm. The goal is to confirm the new individual late 2026, and in place by March 2027, to provide crossover and ensure a smooth transition in advance of Gagnon’s retirement. Throughout this period, WRHN will remain focused on delivering care that is personal, seamless, and reimagined, guided by its values of putting people first, finding a way, being its best, and thriving together.
“It has been a privilege to serve alongside the people of WRHN and our many partners across Waterloo Region,” says Ron Gagnon, President and CEO, WRHN. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident in the path ahead. The work underway today is creating a stronger future for healthcare in this community, and I know WRHN will continue to move forward with purpose and compassion.”
There will be opportunities in the months ahead to recognize Gagnon’s contributions and celebrate his many contributions to healthcare. For now, WRHN remains focused on continuity, stability, and the shared work of building a stronger, more connected health system for the region.
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Media Contact
Cassandra Easton
Public Affairs Lead
Waterloo Regional Health Network
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About Waterloo Regional Health Network
About Waterloo Regional Health Network Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) represents the merger of two Hospitals into a single, integrated healthcare organization. Built on over 90 years of partnership, WRHN is home to seven regional programs and comprehensive healthcare services to meet the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond. WRHN is redefining the healthcare experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered, community-driven healthcare. At WRHN, we provide outstanding care that’s personal, seamless, and reimagined.
Learn more at WRHN.ca.