The headspace Board has this morning announced Jason Trethowan as the new Chief Executive Officer at headspace.

Mr Trethowan was selected from a strong field for the position.

Board chair Ian Marshman said Mr Trethowan will bring to headspace a wealth of experience from his career in the health and mental health sectors, which began in 1996.

The 43-year-old’s most recent role was CEO of the Western Victoria Primary Health Network where he implemented a new organisational structure and led the transition of three Medicare Locals into a single PHN.

He has also been the CEO at Barwon Medicare Local in Geelong and CEO of the General Practitioner’s Association of Geelong. Earlier in his career Mr Trethowan held managerial roles within Ballarat and Geelong Health Services.

Mr Marshman said through his time with Barwon Medicare Local and Western Victoria Primary Health Network, Mr Trethowan fostered a close working relationship with headspace National Office.

“As CEO of Barwon Medicare Local - the lead agency responsible for headspace Geelong and subsequently headspace Ballarat - Mr Trethowan also developed an in-depth knowledge of the headspace centre network which will benefit him greatly as headspace CEO.”

“This regional and direct service delivery experience, together with the policy exposure gained as a member to the Victorian Government’s Mental Health Expert Taskforce, and directorship of the G21 Geelong Region Alliance Board, mean that Mr Trethowan will bring a broad range of perspectives and capabilities to the leadership of headspace.”

Mr Marshman also took the opportunity to thank Matthew Posar, who he said had shown strong and thoughtful leadership as interim CEO since July 1.

“Matthew guided headspace through a period of significant transition.  He will continue to play a key leadership role at headspace including a return to his role as chief financial officer,” he said.

Mr Posar will remain as interim CEO until Mr Trethowan commences on January 30, 2017.