Southern Cross Health Society Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Southern Cross Health Society has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, pet insurance operations, marketing, operational efficiency, and clinical governance.

Committed to enhancing member wellbeing, Southern Cross Health Society delivers comprehensive insurance solutions and healthcare services across New Zealand to ensure accessible, high-quality care for all members.

Leadership Roles at Southern Cross Health Society

  • Chief Executive Officer - Nick Astwick
  • Chief Executive Officer - Southern Cross Pet Insurance - Anthony McPhail
  • Chief Operating Officer - Andrea Brunner
  • Acting Chief Operating Officer - Jeanette Kini
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Christopher Watney
  • Chief Medical Officer - Stephen Child
  • Nick Astwick - Chief Executive Officer

    Nick Astwick, the Chief Executive Officer at Southern Cross Health Society, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Overseeing the entire portfolio of health, travel, life, and pet insurance, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the not-for-profit mission. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving long-term financial sustainability across the national network. By prioritizing member value, Nick Astwick shapes the future of healthcare delivery in New Zealand. Astwick maintains rigorous standards for service excellence while navigating the evolving insurance landscape. Through constant evaluation of market trends, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes organizational performance to meet the diverse needs of the membership base. Astwick fosters a culture of innovation, ensuring the society remains a leader in the healthcare sector. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the stability and growth of the entire enterprise.

    Anthony McPhail - Chief Executive Officer - Southern Cross Pet Insurance

    Anthony McPhail, the Chief Executive Officer - Southern Cross Pet Insurance at Southern Cross Health Society, manages the specialized pet insurance division. Overseeing product development and market expansion, the Chief Executive Officer - Southern Cross Pet Insurance ensures that pet owners across New Zealand receive reliable coverage options. This leadership role involves analyzing veterinary care costs and adjusting policy structures to maintain competitive market positioning. By streamlining claims processing, Anthony McPhail improves the overall customer experience for policyholders. McPhail directs the growth strategy for this specific business unit, focusing on increasing market penetration and brand awareness. Through collaboration with veterinary partners, the Chief Executive Officer - Southern Cross Pet Insurance enhances the accessibility of pet health services. McPhail drives operational efficiency within the division, ensuring that resources support sustainable growth. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer - Southern Cross Pet Insurance delivers essential financial protection for pets.

    Andrea Brunner - Chief Operating Officer

    Andrea Brunner, the Chief Operating Officer at Southern Cross Health Society, manages internal business processes and organizational scaling. Overseeing the daily operations of the insurance and healthcare service networks, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that systems function with maximum efficiency. This leadership role involves optimizing workflows to improve service delivery speed and accuracy across the national footprint. By implementing robust operational frameworks, Andrea Brunner supports the seamless integration of new healthcare services. Brunner directs the administrative teams, ensuring that internal resources align with the strategic goals set by the executive leadership. Through rigorous process improvement, the Chief Operating Officer reduces operational friction and enhances the overall member experience. Brunner monitors performance metrics to identify areas for improvement, ensuring that the society maintains high standards of service. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer secures the operational foundation necessary for the organization to thrive in a competitive market.
    Andrea Brunner

    Jeanette Kini - Acting Chief Operating Officer

    Jeanette Kini, the Acting Chief Operating Officer at Southern Cross Health Society, directs the tactical execution of service delivery and operational support. Overseeing the coordination between healthcare providers and insurance administration, the Acting Chief Operating Officer ensures that member claims and service requests receive prompt attention. This leadership role involves managing the logistical challenges of a national healthcare network to maintain service continuity. By refining internal protocols, Jeanette Kini improves the responsiveness of the support teams. Kini directs the implementation of new operational policies, ensuring that all staff members adhere to the society's quality standards. Through active management of cross-functional teams, the Acting Chief Operating Officer facilitates smooth transitions during periods of organizational change. Kini monitors service levels to ensure that operational output meets the needs of the membership. Ultimately, the Acting Chief Operating Officer maintains the integrity and reliability of the society's daily operations.

    Christopher Watney - Chief Marketing Officer

    Christopher Watney, the Chief Marketing Officer at Southern Cross Health Society, architects the brand strategy and member engagement initiatives. Overseeing all communication channels, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the value proposition of health, travel, life, and pet insurance reaches the target audience effectively. This leadership role involves analyzing consumer behavior to refine marketing campaigns and increase brand loyalty across New Zealand. By leveraging data-driven insights, Christopher Watney optimizes digital presence and advertising spend. Watney directs the creative direction for the society, ensuring consistency in messaging across all platforms. Through strategic partnerships, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the reach of the organization into new market segments. Watney manages the brand reputation, ensuring that public perception aligns with the not-for-profit mission. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer drives member acquisition and retention through targeted, impactful communication strategies that highlight the benefits of the society.

    Stephen Child - Chief Medical Officer

    Stephen Child, the Chief Medical Officer at Southern Cross Health Society, directs the clinical governance and medical strategy for the organization. Overseeing the quality of healthcare services provided within the network, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that all clinical practices meet the highest safety and efficacy standards. This leadership role involves advising the executive team on medical trends and the impact of new treatments on insurance coverage. By evaluating clinical outcomes, Stephen Child shapes the society's approach to preventative care and health management. Child directs the medical advisory board, ensuring that evidence-based medicine informs all policy decisions. Through collaboration with healthcare professionals, the Chief Medical Officer enhances the quality of care available to members across New Zealand. Child monitors medical advancements to ensure that the society remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Ultimately, the Chief Medical Officer secures the clinical integrity of the entire healthcare organization.
    Stephen Child

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Southern Cross Health Society Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Southern Cross Health Society?
    Southern Cross Health Society is led by Nick Astwick (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Anthony McPhail (Chief Executive Officer - Southern Cross Pet Insurance) and Andrea Brunner (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Southern Cross Health Society’s executive team?
    The executive team of Southern Cross Health Society includes leaders such as Nick Astwick (Chief Executive Officer), Anthony McPhail (Chief Executive Officer - Southern Cross Pet Insurance), Andrea Brunner (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Southern Cross Health Society have?
    Southern Cross Health Society has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Southern Cross Health Society’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Southern Cross Health Society includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer - Southern Cross Pet Insurance, Chief Operating Officer, Acting Chief Operating Officer, Chief Marketing Officer.