Willie Willemse is the Chief of Strategy and Business Development at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, effective February 24, 2025. In this role, he oversees strategic partnerships, referral networks, and payer agreements, driving business growth and strengthening JHAH's market presence as the organization expands its services to a broader patient base. He focuses on expanding JHAH's reach and enhancing patient access through key partnerships and insurance network integration, particularly in support of the Centers of Excellence in Cardiology and Oncology.

His experience in healthcare strategy, business development, and funder relations has been extensive and varied, spanning over 25 years across Southern Africa and the Middle East. Before joining JHAH, Willemse served as Chief Strategy Officer at Mediclinic Middle East from May 2023 to March 2025, where he led business expansion initiatives, developed virtual health solutions, and strengthened key partnerships to drive growth. Prior to this role, he served as Director of Business Development from March 2021 to June 2023, where he was instrumental in developing business plans for expansion across the continuum of care, including virtual health services.

From January 2018 to March 2021, Willemse served as Director of Business Performance Improvement at Mediclinic Middle East, where he developed a performance-driven culture across all levels of the organizational structure and provided leadership for the implementation of performance improvement programs aligned with strategic goals. He had previously served as Senior Manager of Funder Relations from 2012 to January 2018, leading high-level negotiations on financial products, tariff systems, and financial contracts, while conducting data analysis and research on product development and healthcare markets.

Willemse joined Mediclinic Middle East in 2011 as Administration Manager at Mediclinic Welcare Hospital in Dubai, where he directed and managed the total patient administration function, including front office, insurance department, accounts receivable, and medical records. Before relocating to the UAE, he held several positions with Mediclinic in Southern Africa. From 2009 to 2011, he served as Commercial Manager in Bellville, South Africa, where he prepared business plans and feasibility studies and analyzed funder and patient data for price determination. He had previously served as Manager of Funder Relations and Contracting from 2003 to 2009, conducting high-level negotiations on an industry and collective bargaining level.

Earlier in his career, Willemse served as Financial Administration Manager at Mediclinic Windhoek Private Hospital in Namibia from 2000 to 2003, managing finance, accounts, reception, and support staff while maintaining internal audit standards and financial policies. He began his healthcare career as Administration Manager at Mediclinic Worcester Private Hospital in South Africa from 1995 to 2001.

Willemse earned a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree in Management Accounting from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, completing his studies in 1995. His expertise in tariff negotiations, analytics, and healthcare technology continues to shape JHAH's strategic development and market positioning in the Kingdom.