Memorial Hermann CEO David L. Callender to Retire at Year-End 2026
David L. Callender, MD, President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System, will retire at the end of 2026. Alec H. King has been named his successor, effective January 1, 2027.
Houston, TX – Memorial Hermann Health System announced on September 28, 2026, that its President and CEO, David L. Callender, MD, will retire at the end of the year after seven years of service. Alec H. King, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will succeed Callender as President and CEO, effective January 1, 2027.
Since joining in 2019, Callender has guided the system through significant transformations, focusing on increasing patient value, improving access to care, and fostering staff well-being. Under his leadership, Memorial Hermann has expanded its community health initiatives, investing hundreds of millions in charity care.
"It has been one of the great privileges of my career to serve Memorial Hermann and the Greater Houston community," Callender stated. "I am incredibly proud of what our employees and physicians have accomplished." Board Chair Greg L. Armstrong credited Callender's "extraordinary leadership" for strengthening the organization.
Alec H. King, who joined in 2020, has been instrumental in the system's strategy and growth, overseeing areas including technology, supply chain, and finance. He is expected to lead Memorial Hermann through the evolving healthcare landscape.
The leadership transition is the culmination of a multi-year succession planning process. Callender and King will work together through year-end to ensure a smooth handover.