Netcare names Melanie Da Costa as incoming CEO as co-founder Richard Friedland prepares to retire

JSE-listed South African private healthcare group Netcare has confirmed the appointment of long-serving executive Melanie Da Costa as its next chief executive, ending a succession process that began when co-founder Dr Richard Friedland first signalled his planned departure in 2023.

According to Money Web, Da Costa will assume the role of CEO-designate on 1 June 2026, working alongside Friedland during a six-month handover period before formally taking the top role on 1 January 2027. Friedland will retire from the board on 31 December 2026 but will remain available to the board and incoming CEO in an advisory capacity until 30 June 2027.

Da Costa joined Netcare in 2006 to establish its health policy unit and has since accumulated more than two decades of experience spanning funder negotiations, health policy, capital markets and operational leadership. She is credited with leading the group's acquisition of mental health provider Akeso and subsequently served as its managing director.

Netcare board chair Alex Maditsi said the appointment reflects Da Costa's standing across the organisation and the wider sector. "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. Over more than 20 years at Netcare, she has made an extraordinary contribution to the group. She is, without question, the right person to lead Netcare into the future."

Friedland, who co-founded Netcare and has led the group for three decades, endorsed the transition. "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."

Read the full story on Netcare's leadership transition in the full report.