Noseworthy to retire as Mayo CEO

Mayo Clinic President and CEO John Noseworthy is retiring at the end of 2018, the organization announced Tuesday.

Dr. Noseworthy has served as the head of the Rochester-based health system since 2009. In a statement, Mayo said a committee will soon begin the search for its next boss. A successor will likely be named this summer.

“We would have welcomed Dr. Noseworthy serving even longer, but we respect his personal decision to retire and are confident in the strong pool of succession candidates,” said Samuel Di Piazza, chair of Mayo Clinic's Board of Trustees.

Mayo Clinic is one of the largest nonprofit academic health systems in the nation, with $11 billion in annual revenues and 63,000 employees. 

Under Noseworthy's direction, Mayo took big steps forward in expanding its three main campuses, most notably making a $3.5 billion pledge toward future development in Rochester as part of Destination Medical Center.

Related: Timeline of CEOs at Mayo

In a letter addressed to employees Tuesday morning, Noseworthy said he plans to work with his successor to ensure a seamless transition.

"I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I've experienced throughout my 28-year career at Mayo Clinic and am truly humbled to serve as president and CEO of this amazing and dynamic organization," he wrote. 

"Every day, I am inspired by how you embody our values, caring for our patients and advancing the field of medicine, driven by our shared focus on the needs of our patients. Thank you for all you do for our patients and for Mayo Clinic. It's been an honor to work with you."

Noseworthy has been with Mayo since 1990. He spent a decade as chair of the Department of Neurology before taking over as chief executive in 2009.

Cover photo via Mayo Clinic