Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Robert Garrett to retire next summer

Hackensack Meridian Health announced on September 21, 2026, that CEO Robert C. Garrett will retire on June 30, 2027. Garrett, who has been with the system since 1981, will serve as CEO emeritus for a year to assist with the transition while the board conducts a national search for his successor. His retirement comes during a period of growth, marked by a proposed merger with Hunterdon Health and a $3 billion infrastructure expansion.

CEO retirement and transition

• ▪Hackensack Meridian Health announced on Monday, 21 September 2026, that chief executive Robert C. Garrett will retire on June 30.
• ▪Robert C. Garrett's retirement comes during a period of growth and increasing profits for Hackensack Meridian Health.
• ▪Following his retirement on June 30, Robert C. Garrett will serve as CEO emeritus for up to one year to assist with the transition.
• ▪The Hackensack Meridian Health board of directors will conduct a national search for its next CEO, aiming to name a successor by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

Robert C. Garrett's career

• ▪Robert C. Garrett served as co-CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health from 2016 until 2019, when Robert C. Garrett became the sole CEO.
• ▪Robert C. Garrett began his career at Hackensack University Medical Center in 1981 and served as president and CEO of Hackensack University Health Network from 2009 to 2016.

Recent facility expansions

• ▪Hackensack Meridian Health opened a $40 million youth mental health facility in June 2026.
• ▪Hackensack Meridian Health opened a health and wellness center near a New Jersey transit hub in April 2026 as part of a $3 billion infrastructure expansion effort.

Proposed Hunterdon Health merger

• ▪In June 2026, Hackensack Meridian Health and Hunterdon Health signed a letter of intent to merge, though the deal has not yet been finalized.
• ▪Executives stated that the proposed merger between Hackensack Meridian Health and Hunterdon Health would help meet the rising demand for medical services.