Wellington, June 17 NZPA - The controversy-wracked Hawke's Bay District Health Board has appointed a new chief executive.

Kevin Snee, currently chief executive of NHS Devon in the United Kingdom, will fill the position left by former boss Chris Clarke who departed in February.

Mr Clarke had hinted he was forced to leave, after Health Minister Tony Ryall reinstated the DHB's board members who had earlier been sacked by former health minister David Cunliffe.

Dr Ryall fulfilled an election promise by bringing the board back.

Dr Snee is due to start work in October.