Ron Gagnon stepping down as CEO of Waterloo Regional Health Network

CTV’s Colton Wiens has more as the president of the Waterloo Regional Health Network plans his retirement.

Ron Gagnon is retiring from his role as president and CEO of the Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN).

The announcement, shared on Tuesday, said his last day on the job would be March 31, 2027.

Gagnon was hired by Grand River Hospital, now known as WRHN @ Midtown, in 2018. He served as its president and CEO until the formation of the Waterloo Regional Health Network in 2025, merging Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital.

Plans are also underway to build a new hospital along Bearinger Road in Waterloo.

“Gagnon led during a period of historical and significant transformation for healthcare in Waterloo Region,” WRHN’s press release said. “His leadership helped advance innovation, quality and service delivery improvements, supported a regional COVID-19 response, while preparing for the future of healthcare in a fast-growing region. Most notably, the planning for a new hospital and the creation of WRHN marked historical transformation.”

Gagnon also reflected on his own career.

“It has been a privilege to serve alongside the people of WRHN and our many partners across Waterloo Region,” he shared. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident in the path ahead. The work underway today is creating a stronger future for healthcare in this community, and I know WRHN will continue to move forward with purpose and compassion.”

Gagnon told CTV News he has mixed emotions about moving on and while he plans to move up to northern Ontario, he still has family here and will keep visiting.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here in Kitchener-Waterloo, the greater region of Waterloo area. You know, when I came in 2018, I was hoping to be able to do many of the things that we’ve been able to do in that period of time. So, I feel good about that. I’m excited about the next chapter in my life. I’ve got a growing family. Most of the growing is on the grandchildren side. So really looking forward to being able to spend more time with them,” Gagnon told CTV News. “Both Nancy and I love this region.”

Gagnon said several things stand out to him from his tenure.

“When I reflect back in my time here, there’s probably four things that come to mind. Chief among them is how we came together to respond to COVID. I think as the years go by, those memories fade. But it’s something that that will stick with me from the amazing way that this community came together for each other and to protect each other. And really, from a hospital perspective, brand didn’t matter. We were all in on doing what was needed for this community,” Gagnon said.

Gagnon added the mergers of St. Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Hospital, the progress made to get a new hospital built in the region and how the system is operating as a community are also major accomplishments that he won’t forget.

The Waterloo Region Health Network said it will be working with Promeus, an executive search firm, to identify potential candidates for the job.

“The goal is to confirm the new individual late 2026, and in place by March 2027, to provide crossover and ensure a smooth transition in advance of Gagnon’s retirement,” they wrote.

Gagnon also thanked the people and patients who he knew throughout his role.

“I’ve been welcomed. I felt part of this community. I felt the support of this community, both on an individual level and on a professional level. There’s still more to be done, and I’m still here for another nine months or so, and I plan on continuing the great work that our team has been doing. So a big thank you to the community,” Gagnon said.