Talent Quarter recruits 30-year health veteran as inaugural independent chair
May 22, 2025
MEDIA RELEASE
25 October, 2023
Leading Australian healthcare and executive recruitment agency Talent Quarter Group has appointed experienced hospital CEO David Swan as its new chair.
David brings a wealth of experience in private and health services to the role, including 30 years as a CEO of major hospitals around the country.
His appointment caps off an incredible year for Talent Quarter Group (TQG), which has increased its revenue by 116 per cent, grown its team by 60 per cent, and added new service lines including a clinical services division.
“Our team is very excited to welcome David, who has such incredible experience in the healthcare sector,” TQG Managing Director Sue Healy said.
“David has held Chief Executive roles in hospitals and healthcare services where he’s overseen large workforces, so he has that real-life experience in the organisations we place people into.
“His expertise and knowledge will really shape our business as we build upon the impact, we’re having on Australia’s healthcare system by connecting the best talent with the best opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives.”
David most recently served as CEO of St Vincent’s Private Hospitals, a large private healthcare company spanning Victoria, NSW and Queensland. He has also led public, not-for-profit and private health services in South Australia, Tasmania and NSW, and ran the South Australian public health system for six years.
He’s excited about stepping into the chair role at Talent Quarter Group (TQG), which has three core divisions: Healthcare recruitment provider Talent Quarter; search, advisory and coaching firm Executive Quarter; and Disability Service Provision and Specialist Support Coordination provider TQ Care.
“There’s no doubt Talent Quarter Group is purpose-led, which is what attracted me to the role,” he said.
“I’m very impressed with both the leadership and the culture of the organisation – it’s very positive and making an incredible contribution to meet resource needs right across Australia’s healthcare system.”
David said he appreciated the value of Talent Quarter as specialists in placing healthcare and social care staff, particularly in regional and remote areas.
“Having spent nearly a decade in rural health, I really see the benefit Talent Quarter can bring to those communities by connecting organisations with the right talent who can deliver healthcare locally,” he said.
“I love that they have a strong focus on rural and remote communities. I know, from experience, that these communities struggle to get the health clinicians and the expertise required to have much-needed health services available locally.”
ENDS
More information: Melissa Grant at Bespoken, melissa.grant@bespokenagency.com.au / 0402 717 107.
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A World Mental Health Day message from Jan Bannerman , Joint Managing Director, Talent Quarter
If you've spent a few years in Emergency, chances are you've thought about it. "Could I do remote nursing?"
When our Nurse Alex moved from Northern Ireland to Australia in November 2025 , she wanted to do two things: work as a nurse and make the most of the opportunity to explore Australia. Travel nursing has given her the chance to do both! Making the most of the time between contracts 🐋 After wrapping up a contract, Alex headed to the Gold Coast for some well-earned downtime - which happened to fall right in the middle of humpback whale migration season. “I went whale watching which was incredible. It was peak season for humpback whales migrating down the east coast. There were so many whales!” For Alex, taking a break between contracts isn’t just about travelling. It gives her a chance to properly switch off after working in demanding and sometimes unfamiliar environments. “Contracts can be both physically and mentally demanding at times, and working in unknown environments can be overwhelming. Having time off between contracts has helped me recharge to be ready for the next contract.” Work, travel and a bit more freedom One of the things Alex has enjoyed most is being able to choose contracts that suit her experience and the way she wants to spend her time in Australia. “It’s great being able to balance the work and the holiday aspects of my Working Holiday Visa. As much as I love work, I love being able to see and experience Australia in all of its beauty in my downtime.” It’s also given her the chance to broaden her nursing experience. Alex comes from an ICU background, but since starting travel nursing she’s also worked in ED and on a medical ward. And then there are the places. Instead of only visiting somewhere for a weekend, Alex gets to spend a few weeks living and working there - experiencing smaller towns and parts of Australia she might never otherwise have had the chance to call home. Next stop: Tasmania 📍 Alex has now started a new contract in Tasmania, where she’s looking forward to gaining more ED experience and, of course, exploring more of the state while she’s there. For any nurses thinking about doing something similar, Alex’s advice is pretty simple: “Do it! I was nervous to start travel nursing, but I’m so glad I did it. The team at Talent Quarter supported and guided me throughout the whole way. They are always just a phone call away.” For Alex, it’s that freedom that makes travel nursing so worthwhile. “You could work the full year straight if you want, or take months off at a time to travel. It’s up to you.” A new contract, a new part of Australia and the freedom to decide what comes next. That’s what travel nursing has looked like for Alex so far. Thinking about giving travel nursing a go? Whether you’re ready for your next contract or just curious about what opportunities are out there, we’d love to hear from you . Get in touch with our Talent Quarter team and have a chat about where travel nursing could take you next! Click here: https://www.talentquarter.com/contact-us or get in touch with our consultant, Lewis Dew!
