Harry Wilson headshot

Editor’s note: The story’s headline has been updated from its original form, which said Genesis was “cutting ties with Wilson.”

Post-acute care giant Genesis Healthcare is on the hunt for a new chief executive officer after announcing that Harry Wilson will end his tenure as CEO after just seven months in the role, the company said Monday. 

The announcement comes after Wilson, and his consulting firm the MAEVA Group, provided notice that they will “complete their engagement” by Nov. 15. The Genesis Board of Directors complimented Wilson for working “quickly” and said it will begin the search for a new CEO, according to the Kennett Square, PA-based company. 

“It has been a great honor and a privilege to work with the team at Genesis,” Wilson said in a statement. “Together, we accomplished a great deal in a short period of time, and I look forward to watching the team continue to build on that work in the months and years ahead.”

Genesis hired Wilson in March and together, with the help of his firm MAEVA, they were tasked with turning around the company after months of financial uncertainty exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company on Monday said Wilson over the last several months has “swiftly put forth a strong restructuring plan” and the board has overseen its “successful initial implementation.” Genesis plans to continue to execute this plan while it searches for a new CEO. Wilson will also be leaving Genesis’ Board of the Directors.

“I would like to thank Harry for his round-the-clock efforts to quickly develop and drive forward a compelling turnaround plan for Genesis,” said David Harrington, Genesis chairman of the board. “Genesis has already made significant progress in a very short period of time and the company’s financial situation has improved. With my support, our seasoned senior leadership team will continue to execute on the restructuring plan with the same level of focus and commitment while the company searches for a new CEO.”

Wilson’s only public comments came this summer as Genesis, the country’s largest skilled nursing provider, announced a vaccine mandate for its 40,000 employees. 

“While we would have greatly preferred a strictly voluntary process, our commitment to health and safety outweighs concerns about imposing a requirement,” Wilson said in August. “Universal COVID-19 vaccination provides the safest and most effective course of action to ensure the health and welfare of our patients, residents and staff.” 

The company later said it had reached 100% coverage, but did not disclose how many employees it terminated.

This will be Genesis’ third time hiring for the role after longtime CEO George V. Hager Jr. retired in early January. Former Board Chairman Robert “Bob” H. Fish was immediately appointed as the company’s new CEO until Wilson’s hiring in March.

This is a developing story. Check back for additional updates.