Board of Vhi Healthcare
Announce Appointment of New Chief Executive

February 29th, 2008 – The Board of Vhi Healthcare is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Jimmy Tolan as Chief Executive.  Mr Tolan will take up his position on 1st May 2008. He joins Vhi Healthcare from Fyffes plc where he was Chief Executive Officer.

Commenting on his appointment, the Chairman of Vhi Healthcare, Mr Bernard Collins said “The Board of Vhi Healthcare is delighted to welcome Mr Tolan to the organisation. Mr Tolan also has a proven ability to innovate and respond creatively in changing environments. His experience and track record in running a major organisation is exactly what Vhi Healthcare needs at this time. In the short term he will help steer Vhi through the transition to regulation by the Financial Regulator.”

Commenting on his appointment Mr Tolan said “I am very pleased to be joining Vhi Healthcare at a challenging time for the private health insurance market and look forward to playing my part in helping Vhi Healthcare continue to deliver quality and affordable healthcare for members.”

The Chairman also thanked Vincent Sheridan the outgoing CEO who has guided the development of Vhi Healthcare since 2001.

 “Vincent has guided Vhi Healthcare very successfully through extremely challenging market and regulatory conditions. Many new and innovative products and services were brought to market during this period including Vhi Multi-trip travel insurance, Vhi Swiftcare Clinics, Vhi Decare Dental, Life Stage Choice plans etc. The financial year ended today (29/02/08) and has been one of the most successful in the history of the business. I am delighted that Vincent has agreed to remain available to the business for a number of months “

Note to Editors

Biography: Jimmy Tolan
Jimmy Tolan has been Chief Executive Officer of Fyffes plc since January 2007.  He was involved in the creation of two new plc’s in 2006. The second involved 2,500 employees in nine countries transferring to a new parent company.   He was previously Corporate Development Director and managed Fyffes acquisition function since 1993.    He has experience of both leading and managing significant structural change and has developed strong relationships with key company stakeholders.

Jimmy Tolan is a qualified accountant, having trained with KPMG.  He has a B.Comm Degree and a Diploma in Professional Accounting from University College Dublin.