Yesterday, Northern Health hosted Jacob Aarup-Andersen, ISS A/S Global CEO.

ISS A/S is a global facilities management company based in Denmark and is the provider of hospitality services at Northern Health.

Jacob became the CEO of ISS A/S in 2020 and has since launched a new strategy referred to as ‘One ISS’, designed to make the organisation simpler, stronger and closer in the pursuit of its purpose of connecting people and places. He is visiting Australia to personally deliver the message of ‘One ISS’, and to get a firsthand update on the progress of the Australia and New Zealand team in delivering this strategy.

Jacob’s visit to Northern Health also comes as ISS has been awarded a new five-year contract with the health service.

There are more than 300 ISS staff working at Northern Health, providing both food and cleaning services, with the ISS team supporting Northern Health since 2016.

During the visit, Jacob met with Siva Sivarajah, Chief Executive, Debra Bourne, Chief Operating Officer and Greg Warman, Director Support Services.

Jacob then met the Northern Health ISS team for lunch, where a raft of awards were presented to staff.

Sarab Dhillon was awarded an Apple Award for his help during an incident in the loading dock. A CEO Hero Award was presented to Alexander Stojanovic, who self-nominated himself to work in the COVID Wards full-time, assisting with the meal service.

Don Goonesekera was presented with a Hero Award for being a responsible and committed member of the cleaning team, and for bringing his can-do attitude to work.

Hanna Ah-Hi also won a Hero Award for her hard work in the catering team.

Saj Amerasinghe, ISS Key Account Manager, was presented with the ISS Key Account Manager of the Year Award.

Jacob congratulated the award winners and recognised the great efforts of the Northern Health ISS team.

“There is nothing better than spending time with the people who matter. The stories we just heard about how you have gone completely above and beyond over the last couple of years, dealing with COVID-19, but just every single day, taking it to the next level,” he said.

“I am so impressed by what you have done and I am very proud to be your colleague. This session is just another testament to what an amazing team you are. Thank you very much – keep it up because you make all of us incredibly proud.”

Saj said it was an honour to host Jacob.

“The ISS Global and Pacific Leadership visit to Northern Health was an opportunity to recognise the great efforts of our staff to keep patients safe and satisfied in a very challenging environment. This is a real testament to our purpose of connecting people and places to make the world work better.”

“This was a great opportunity to discuss the ‘One ISS’ strategy new operating model, the importance of the Northern Health contract and the value of our long term partnerships for ISS Australia and globally. Northern Health is one of the long term key accounts of ISS Australia and I would personally like to thank Northern Health for giving the ISS Leadership Team the opportunity to visit the site and to making it a memorable one for all the staff on site.”

Featured image (L-R): Scott Davis, CEO Asia Pacific, Aaron Cauchi, Executive General Manager Health, Stuart Rose, Chief Executive Officer Australia & New Zealand, Troels Bjerg, Global Group Chief Operating Officer, Jacob Aarup-Andersen, ISS A/S Global CEO, Saj Amerasinghe, ISS Key Account Manager Northern Health.