GGH announces new President and CEO

GUELPH, Ont. – Mark Walton (pictured) has been appointed the new president and CEO of the Guelph General Hospital, effective April 10, 2023. Walton succeeds Marianne Walker, who is retiring after nine years of exceptional leadership at GGH. Walton has a long history of progressive senior leadership roles within healthcare in Ontario, most recently as senior vice-president, COVID-19 Pandemic Response and regional lead, West Region and CEO of Local Health Integration Networks in the region with Ontario Health.

Throughout his extensive career in healthcare, Walton has developed deep relationships within the province, and beyond; leading key initiatives to support the transformation of healthcare in Ontario. He is very familiar with the Guelph-Waterloo region in particular, having spent the past two years working closely with key organizations and individuals on a number of strategic initiatives.

“I am looking forward to working with the Leadership team and staff at GGH and building on the excellent reputation they already enjoy. It is an honour to follow in the footsteps of such a highly regarded leader like Marianne Walker. I am committed to continuing the strategic planning work she initiated to ensure the hospital continues to meet our communities’ evolving healthcare needs as the patient-first, safety-focused organization it already is,” said Walton.

Walton brings a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing community hospitals today. He is a collaborative, approachable leader known for his authenticity and innate ability to inspire action. Walton has a reputation for achieving results by establishing trusting relationships built on transparency, respect and a sincere interest in seeing people, services, and organizations thrive.

“We would like to congratulate Mark on his new role at GGH and sincerely thank Marianne for her unwavering compassion and commitment to our staff and community. Her impacts will be felt now and into the future. During her tenure, she ensured that the Hospital provided the standard of care our community deserves even through the challenges of the pandemic. Her lead role in establishing the Guelph-Wellington Ontario Health Team ensures the hospital is deeply committed to working with its local healthcare partners in supporting a healthy community. She also leaves the Hospital with having a brand-new Strategic Plan which will guide it for the next five years,” said board chair, David Kennedy.

GGH developed the Strategic Plan through extensive engagement. The new vision ‘Together, a healthier community for everyone’ and mission to provide ‘Exemplary and equitable Care for and with our community’ will guide the hospital over the next five years. This plan reflects the hospital’s ongoing commitment to provide a full range of services and care to the nearly quarter of a million residents of Guelph-Wellington.

About Guelph General Hospital
Guelph General Hospital (GGH) is a dynamic, comprehensive acute care facility providing a full range of services to the residents of Guelph and Wellington County. Services include 24-hour emergency coverage, advanced technology and diagnostic support, and specialty programs. GGH is a regional provider of general vascular surgery and a designated provincial Bariatric Centre of Excellence. GGH is also a proud partner in the Guelph Wellington Ontario Health Team. Visit us online at www.gghorg.ca.