Netcare names Melanie Da Costa as incoming CEO

Netcare has appointed long-serving executive Melanie Da Costa as its next CEO, taking the reins from co-founder Dr Richard Friedland, who will step down at the end of 2026 after three decades at the helm of one of South Africa’s largest private healthcare groups.

Friedland’s retirement comes as no surprise, having first announced his planned departure in 2023. The key appointment was confirmed by the JSE-listed healthcare group in a Sens announcement on Tuesday.

Da Costa, currently executive director of strategy and health policy, will assume the role of CEO-designate on 1 June 2026, working alongside Friedland during a six-month transition period.

She will formally assume the role of CEO on 1 January 2027, with Friedland retiring from the board on 31 December 2026.

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But, at the board’s request, he will remain on from 1 January to 30 June 2027 as an advisor to the board and CEO on a consultancy basis for six months.

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With more than two decades of experience spanning funder negotiations, health policy, capital markets and operational leadership, Da Costa is widely seen within the industry as among the most experienced candidates to take on the role.

“She brings strategic acumen, commercial discipline, a growth mindset and a deep appreciation of the role that health technology and innovation play in driving differentiation and sustainable growth,” says Alex Maditsi, chair of the Netcare board.

“Over more than 20 years at Netcare, she has made an extraordinary contribution to the group, earning broad-based  respect across the organisation and among its stakeholders. She is, without question, the right person to lead Netcare into the future.”

Da Costa joined Netcare in 2006 to establish its health policy unit. She is also credited with leading the group’s acquisition of mental health provider Akeso and served as its managing director.

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In a statement confirming the leadership change, Friedland endorsed Da Costa’s appointment.

“Melanie is an exceptional leader and a person of deep integrity. I have watched her grow from establishing our health policy unit to becoming one of the most respected voices in South African healthcare,” he says.

Da Costa will lead the group at a pivotal moment for South African healthcare, as the sector navigates the implementation of the controversial National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, evolving regulatory and funding dynamics, and the rapid acceleration of digital health, data and artificial intelligence.

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