Lesley McLay has been appointed as the new chief executive of NHS Tayside.
Ms McLay will take over from Gerry Marr who announced his retirement in August.
She has been chief operating officer at NHS Tayside since May 2011.
Chairman of Tayside NHS Board Sandy Watson said: “I am delighted to welcome Lesley McLay as our new chief executive.
“She brings a unique combination of skills from the NHS and the private sector which, along with her huge capacity for hard work and her inclusive style, will be of immense value to NHS Tayside.
“Lesley has already demonstrated a real commitment to working with the board of NHS Tayside and our many partners on an exciting agenda of consolidation, transformation and innovation and I very much look forward to working with her.”
The appointment brings Ms McLay’s career full circle as she started her nurse training in Ninewells Hospital.
She has also previously held director level posts in NHS Scotland, including the executive director of operations and nursing at NHS Ayrshire and Arran, and director of nursing at NHS24.
“In the time I’ve already spent here in Tayside I have had the privilege of working with people who are full of ambition and commitment, characteristics I’ve seen replicated from the frontline to the board room,” Ms McLay said.
“It is our staff who make NHS Tayside so successful and it is their dedication to our patients and their families which will ensure we can continue to provide the best possible healthcare services.
“I know many challenges lie ahead and I look forward to working together with the board, staff and our partners to meet those challenges head on and make a difference for the people and communities of Tayside.”