Beacon Health Details Leadership Transition

The chief executive officer of South Bend-based Beacon Health System is stepping down. Phil Newbold has served as CEO for 30 years and will be succeeded by Chief Operating Officer Kreg Gruber (pictured).

The transition will officially take effect November 1. Beacon says Newbold will remain with the organization until the end of the year to "provide transitional support."

Among his accomplishments during his tenure as CEO, Newbold led Beacon to become the first Indiana hospital to join the Mayo Clinic Care Network, oversaw the $50 million expansion of Beacon Children’s Hospital in downtown South Bend as well as the introduction of the region’s first MedFlight service.

The board says it expects a smooth transition as Newbold steps down and Gruber takes over.

Gruber has served in a variety of leadership positions within Beacon Health System. He has served as president of Memorial Hospital in South Bend, president of Elkhart General Hospital and president of Beacon Medical Group.