TORONTO, Feb. 12, 2013 /CNW/ - Centric Health Corporation ("Centric Health" or "the Company") (TSX: CHH), Canada's leading diversified healthcare company, today announced the appointment of Daniel Gagnon as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.

"Mr. Gagnon brings to Centric Health a breadth and depth of strong leadership and financial capabilities gained through his three decade career as a financial executive and public company CFO," said David Cutler, President and Chief Executive Officer, Centric Health Corporation. "His expertise in strategic planning, internal controls, M&A and enterprise risk management as well as experience in the seniors healthcare and independent living sector will be a tremendous value to our Company as we continue to integrate our existing businesses to realize synergies and cost savings and driving margin expansion and growth across the organization, whilst we continue to focus on quality care."

Mr. Gagnon's most recent role was as Chief Financial Officer of Revera Inc., one of the largest providers of seniors' services in North America, including homecare, retirement and long-term care.  Prior to joining Revera, Mr. Gagnon spent 10 years with Husky Injection Molding Systems Limited, a former TSX-listed company that generated more than $1 billion in revenue in 2008, where he held progressively senior roles, culminating in the position of Vice President and CFO.  Mr. Gagnon is qualified as a Chartered Professional Accountant and Chartered Accountant.

"Centric Health has built a unique and unrivaled base of health care assets to capitalize on the growing opportunity inherent in Canadian healthcare," said Mr. Gagnon.  "I look forward to being involved with the Company to help build on its recent history of growth during this important period of organizational development."

Peter Walkey, Centric Health's CFO since 2009, is leaving the Company to pursue other opportunities.

"On behalf of Centric Health's Board of Directors and management team, I would like to thank Peter for his significant contributions to the growth and development of Centric Health," said Dr. Jack Shevel, Chairman, Centric Health Corporation.  "We wish Peter success in his future endeavours,"

About Centric Health

Centric Health's vision is to be Canada's premier healthcare company, providing innovative solutions centered on patients and healthcare professionals. As a diversified healthcare company with investments in several niche service areas, Centric Health currently has operations in medical assessments, disability and rehabilitation management, physiotherapy and surgical centres, homecare, specialty pharmacy and wellness and prevention. With knowledge and experience of healthcare delivery in international markets and extensive and trusted relationships with payers, physicians, and government agencies, Centric Health is pursuing expansion opportunities into other healthcare sectors to create value for all stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to the highest quality of care. Centric Health is listed on the TSX under the symbol CHH. For further information, please visit www.centrichealth.ca and www.lifemark.ca. Centric Health's strategic advisor is Global Healthcare Investments & Solutions, Inc. ("GHIS") (www.ghis.us). GHIS and entities controlled by shareholders of GHIS are currently the largest shareholders of Centric Health.

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation.  These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding business strategy, plans and other expectations, beliefs, goals, objectives, information and statements about possible future events. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions that involve a number of risks, which could cause actual results to vary and in some instances to differ materially from those anticipated by Centric Health and described in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur or, if any of them do so, what benefits Centric Health will derive there-from.

SOURCE: Centric Health Corporation