Windsor Regional Hospital leaders reflect on transition as CEO search begins

WRH’s Acting President and CEO is retiring and the hospital confirmed former head David Musyj will not be back.

As Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) launches its search for a new president and chief executive officer, hospital officials are sharing what they hope the next wave of leadership brings to the table.

Karen Riddell, who has been serving as interim president and CEO since David Musyj accepted a temporary role at London Health Sciences Centre in May, will retire in March 2026.

Riddell, who is also WRH’s chief nursing executive, said both roles require leaders with deep clinical understanding and a commitment to frontline engagement.

“Really a real strong clinical leader with a really good understanding of frontline staff engagement and how to improve the patient experience moving forward,” said Riddell, in an interview with CTV News.

“We developed a new strategic plan this past year and we’re really pushing that forward to ensure we’re providing the best care possible.”

Riddell emphasized the importance of hiring a CEO who not only understands the local landscape but also the broader provincial direction, especially as the region prepares for a long-awaited new acute care hospital.

“There’s going to be a lot of work, not only on getting approval to build the hospital and then building it, but the transition of moving to the new site,” she said.

“We’re going to need a really strong candidate that’s going to be able to lead us into that future.”

Riddell said she’s optimistic strong candidates will step forward for both executive roles and is committed to supporting a smooth transition in partnership with Musyj.

Musyj, who confirmed to the board Wednesday that he will not be returning to WRH, is currently serving as a supervisor in London. Despite his change in title and location, he said he remains a fierce supporter of the local hospital project when communicating with government officials.

“Luckily, they’re on speed dial with me right now,” he said.

“So, when I’m talking about all things London, I also talk about the project with them and moving it forward.”

Musyj said his current involvement in Windsor will continue at least until Riddell retires in March. After that, any ongoing role will be up to the new CEO.

“Regardless of that, I’ll be the biggest advocate for the project with the government,” he said.

Reflecting on how quickly the leadership landscape has shifted over the past year, Musyj said the turn of events was unexpected.

“If someone were to talk to me last May, at the start of May and said this is where we’d be right now, I would have lost a lot of money on that bet,” he said.

“But again, I’m honoured to be asked to help and Windsor Regional’s in great hands with Karen and the rest of the team.”

The hospital’s board is expected to name Riddell’s replacement before her departure.