TORONTO, March 7, 2013 /CNW/ - Centric Health Corporation ("Centric Health" or "the Company") (TSX: CHH), Canada's leading diversified healthcare company, today announced the appointment of Mr. Chris Dennis as Chief Operating Officer, effective April 8, 2013.

"Mr. Dennis is an outstanding addition to the Centric Heath executive team and brings significant experience as a senior executive at various notable healthcare companies throughout Canada and the United States," said David Cutler, President and Chief Executive Officer, Centric Health Corporation. "Over his career, Chris has demonstrated an ability to develop and enhance sustainable business value through focusing on operational efficiency, organic growth, brand differentiation and meaningful value creation.  His leadership skills will complement Centric's experienced business leaders in working together as we continue to integrate our own business units and position the Company to realize the significant cross-pollination and organic growth opportunities inherent throughout the organization."

Mr. Dennis' most recent role was as Chief Executive Officer and President of Novadent Inc., a dental lab company owned by Birch Hill Equity Partners.  Prior to this, Mr. Dennis was Chief Executive Officer and President of one of Canada's largest homecare providers, Comcare Healthcare, which employed over 3,000 healthcare providers.  Earlier in his career, Mr. Dennis spent 18 years with Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) where he assumed roles of increasing importance within the company, culminating in his role as Global President OrthoNeutrogena, Pharma and Medical Devices.  Mr. Dennis holds an MBA from Athabasca University.

"I am truly excited by the opportunity to work with the formidable team at Centric Health as we build on the unparalleled platform of healthcare service provision and further develop the Company as the leader in innovative healthcare solutions in partnership with healthcare professionals and key stakeholders," said Mr. Dennis.  "Importantly, I look forward to being part of a dynamic organization that strives to make a difference in navigating global healthcare challenges and opportunities so that Canada can lead the way in quality care and outcomes."

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