William P. Thompson, president and CEO of St. Louis-based SSM Health, intends to retire next year.
Mr. Thompson is retiring after more than 36 years with the health system.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to lead one of the largest and most respected mission-based healthcare systems in the country and serve alongside so many talented, compassionate and dedicated individuals," Mr. Thompson said of his retirement. "This was not an easy decision. However, after much reflection and deliberation, I feel it is time to begin transitioning to the next chapter in my life."
Mr. Thompson became president and CEO of SSM Health in 2011. Previously, he served in various other executive leadership roles at SSM Health, including COO and senior vice president of strategic development.
During his tenure at SSM Health, physicians were given a voice on the health system's board of directors and on the senior leadership team, according to a news release. SSM Health also consolidated its system structure and experienced unprecedented growth. That growth included the acquisitions of:
- Dean Health System in Madison, Wis.
- St. Anthony Shawnee (Okla.) Hospital and St. Anthony Shawnee Physicians group
- SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital – Audrain in Mexico, Mo., along with nine rural clinics, and the Audrain County Health Department's home health and hospice division
- SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
Today, SSM Health is one of the nation's largest integrated heath systems.
"Bill has dedicated more than half of his life to the Mission and ministry of SSM Health and we are grateful for his service," David Cosby, chairman of the SSM Health board, said in a prepared statement. "His legacy of leadership and commitment to excellence have had a profound and lasting impact on this organization."
The SSM Health board will hire a search firm to conduct a national search for Mr. Thompson’s successor. Mr. Thompson will remain in his role until a successor is in place.
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