TORONTO, Dec. 9 /CNW/ - Centric Health Corporation ("Centric Health") (TSX: CHH), Canada's leading diversified healthcare services company, today announced the appointment of Mr. Daniel Carriere as President and Chief Executive Officer commencing in January 2011.

"We are confident that Dan's substantial experience, remarkable track record and success in Canadian healthcare services, will enable him to execute Centric Health's strategy," said Dr. Jack Shevel, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Centric Health.  "Dan has the dynamic personality and leadership qualities to work together with all stakeholders to find innovative solutions and establish lasting partnerships."

Prior to joining Centric Health, Mr. Carriere held the position of President and CEO of Southlake Regional Health Centre ("Southlake") since 1994.  In this role, he led the development of Southlake into one of Canada's leading healthcare campuses with a comprehensive range of healthcare services.  Prior to this, he was Senior Vice President of York-Finch General Hospital from 1988 to 1990 at which time he was promoted to President and CEO, a position he held until 1994.  In addition, Mr. Carriere has been a lead reviewer and panel representative on various committees evaluating healthcare centres and systems in Canada.  He holds a Masters in Health Administration from the University of Toronto and Bachelor's of Science in Pharmacology from the University of Western Ontario.

"Centric Health's distinctive business model and innovation in healthcare services is truly unique.  I believe the Company has the platform in place through its strategy, existing businesses, expertise and track record to be Canada's leading healthcare services company," said Mr. Carriere.  "We share so many key philosophies, with the most important being a focus on delivering uncompromising, quality care in partnership with healthcare professionals."

In connection with his appointment, Mr. Carriere will be entitled to (i) a one-time sign-on bonus of 1,200,000 Centric Health shares to be held in trust for his benefit and to be released at set intervals over the next four years, provided he is employed by Centric Health at such time; and (ii) options to acquire up to 500,000 common shares of Centric Health pursuant to the terms of Centric Health's stock option plan ("SOP"). In addition, Centric Health intends to issue Mr. Carriere an additional 1,000,000 options at a future date subject to Board approval and availability under the SOP. Such security issuances are subject to TSX approval.

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. 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 majority 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.