Memorial Hermann CEO to retire, successor announced

After seven years of leading Memorial Hermann, Dr. David Callender is getting ready to step away.

Callender announced this week that he would retire at the end of the year. He began serving as president and chief executive officer of Memorial Hermann in 2019. Alec King, Memorial Hermann’s chief financial officer, has been named the next CEO of the system and will take over Jan. 1, 2027.

In a LinkedIn post, Callender said serving as Memorial Hermann’s CEO has been “one of the most meaningful chapters of my career.”

“I make this decision with tremendous pride in what has been accomplished by the people and partners of Memorial Hermann over this time,” Callender wrote on LinkedIn. “I also have great confidence in Memorial Hermann’s future and look forward to even greater organizational accomplishments and impact in the years ahead. Memorial Hermann has strong leadership, a clear strategy and strong momentum, making this the right moment to pass the responsibility to the System’s next leader.”

Callender gave a strong endorsement to King as the next CEO of the system.

“I strongly believe Alec brings the experience, perspective, and leadership this organization needs, and that he is exceptionally well prepared to lead Memorial Hermann into its next chapter,” Callendar said in his LinkedIn post.

Memorial Hermann said the leadership transition is the reflection of a multi-year succession planning process.

King called it “an extraordinary honor” to lead the system. He praised Callender’s leadership for providing strong momentum for Memorial Hermann.

“As health care continues to evolve and Greater Houston grows, our nonprofit mission calls us to take a long-term view of the communities we serve,” King said in a statement provided by the system. “I look forward to working alongside our employees and physicians to build on our strength, meet Greater Houston’s changing needs and improve the health of the people and communities we serve.”

Based in Houston, Texas, Memorial Hermann owns 14 hospitals and operates three other hospital facilities in joint ventures, along with 280 care delivery locations.

The system serves a fast-growing area, with the city of Houston adding more than 90,000 residents since 2020, according to the Census Bureau. The ten-county Houston metro area added more than 120,000 residents from 2024 to 2025.

Greg L. Armstrong, chair of the Memorial Hermann Health System Board of Directors, described Callender as “an extraordinary leader and a tireless advocate for the health of our Greater Houston communities.”

“His leadership has helped transform Memorial Hermann, strengthening our workforce, expanding our impact in the community and accelerating the strategic and digital capabilities that will serve Memorial Hermann for many years to come. He has led with an unwavering commitment to our patients, our workforce and our mission,” Armstrong said in a statement.

The system touted King’s astute financial management and helping Memorial Hermann maintain financial strength even in a time of significant changes in the industry.

“Alec brings the vision and leadership to guide Memorial Hermann into the future, along with a critical understanding of today’s complex health care environment,” Armstrong said in a statement. “He has a demonstrated ability to lead across the enterprise and pair strategic vision with disciplined execution, making him exceptionally well prepared to guide Memorial Hermann through its next era of growth.”

With the region’s growth, the system is making significant investments to accommodate more patients.

Memorial Hermann is in the midst of a $282 million expansion of Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital is also undertaking a $277.5 million expansion project.

Citing headwinds facing the health insurance industry, Memorial Hermann said earlier this year it is winding down its commercial health plan and its Medicare Advantage plan.

While Callender is stepping down as CEO of Memorial Hermann, he made it clear on LinkedIn that he still has work to do.

“Our mission of improving health has been one of the great inspirations of my career, and that commitment will guide me in the years ahead,” Callender said. “I will remain active in the health care industry, continuing my service in support of healthcare organizations across the country and working to shape and advance public policy for our industry.”