Robert Garrett Will Retire as Hackensack Meridian CEO

The veteran healthcare executive plans to step down from the New Jersey hospital network in mid-2027.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Healthcare

Isometric editorial illustration of a clean, modern multi-story hospital atrium, representing institutional change within a major healthcare network. — Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Robert Garrett will retire on June 30, 2027, prompting the board to launch a search for his successor. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Robert Garrett announced he will retire from his leadership position on June 30, 2027. The organization's Board of Trustees has launched a national search to identify his successor.

Why it matters

Garrett has led the major New Jersey healthcare network through significant expansion, including the 2016 merger of Hackensack University Health Network and Meridian Health. His transition marks a significant shift for the system as it manages 18 hospitals and hundreds of care sites.

The health system operates 18 hospitals and 500 patient care locations across New Jersey. Additionally, the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, which opened in 2018, has successfully trained more than 500 doctors.

The players

Robert Garrett

He is the outgoing CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health who has overseen the organization's growth since its 2016 formation.

Hackensack Meridian Health

This is a prominent non-profit healthcare network that operates 18 hospitals and numerous outpatient facilities throughout New Jersey.

The details

Garrett will remain in his role until his official departure date to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. During his tenure, the network navigated complex growth, including an attempt to merge with Englewood Hospital that was ultimately dropped in 2022 due to regulatory concerns.

The Hackensack and Meridian systems merged in 2016.
The medical school opened in Nutley in 2018.
A proposed merger with Englewood Hospital was abandoned in 2022.
The Board of Trustees expects to name a new CEO by March 2027.
Robert Garrett will officially retire on June 30, 2027.

Market Landscape

This leadership transition follows a period of aggressive consolidation and regulatory scrutiny within the New Jersey healthcare sector. The change signals a potential shift in strategy as the network balances its 18-hospital footprint against the challenges of past expansion attempts.

Patients and staff should not expect immediate operational changes as the network moves through its planned two-year transition period. The leadership search aims to maintain the current standard of care across the system's 500 patient care locations.

The takeaway

The planned transition offers the hospital network an opportunity to recalibrate its long-term strategy following several years of rapid institutional growth. Stakeholders should monitor the March 2027 announcement for clues regarding the system's future direction.