Mercy Health Group CEO Honoured Among Country’s Best

Mercy Health's Chief Executive Officer Stephen Cornelissen has been named CEO of the Year and Health & Pharmaceuticals Executive of the Year at the 2016 CEO Magazine Executive of the Year Awards.

Adjunct Professor Cornelissen was presented with the esteemed awards in front of some of the country’s most successful business people in Sydney last night.

“I am humbled by these honours which are also recognition for Mercy Health and every staff member that helps make this organisation everything that it is, and my family, without whose support I would not be where I am today,” Adj Prof Cornelissen said.

“I am proud to lead a values-driven organisation which makes a real difference to the lives of hundreds of thousands of Australians each year. However, Mercy Health’s success cannot be attributed to one individual alone.”

CEO Magazine’s Executive of the Year Awards is Australia’s most prestigious business awards event, recognising the individual excellence of senior executives.

Adj Prof Cornelissen assumed the role of Group Chief Executive Officer at Mercy Health on 1 July 2011. He has more than 25 years’ experience to complement undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications from Oxford University, University of New South Wales, Deakin University and Australian Catholic University.

“The health and aged care sectors are constantly evolving and we are always looking at how we can do things better for all those we serve,” Adj Prof Cornelissen explained.

“This includes establishing Victoria’s first breast milk bank to help give sick and premature babies a healthy start to life, as well as our world-class researchers finding new ways to ensure that more mothers have safe pregnancies and are able to take a healthy child home.

“Caring for others in times of need is a privilege. Working with people who share a common bond to care means that every day I come to work, I know I am part of a team which is making a difference in the lives of the greater Australian community.” 

Mercy Health is one of the largest not-for-profit health and aged care providers in Victoria and has experienced significant growth under the leadership of Adj Prof Cornelissen and his team in recent years.

This growth includes securing $85 million from the Victorian Government to expand Werribee Mercy Hospital to meet the growing needs of the community. The expansion will involve building a desperately needed Critical Care Unit for seriously ill patients; a significant expansion of mental health services and adding a further 56 inpatient beds; a new central sterile supply unit and six operating theatres.

“I am immensely proud of everything Mercy Health has achieved and incredibly honoured to lead an organisation established by the Sisters of Mercy,” Adj Prof Cornelissen said.

“I am humbled to represent so many talented and caring people who make Mercy Health what it is today and excited about what the future holds.”

Click here to find out more about Mercy Health's aged care services.