Southern Cross Health Society Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to enhancing the well-being of New Zealanders, Southern Cross Health Society delivers comprehensive insurance solutions and healthcare services through a not-for-profit model that prioritizes member health outcomes and sustainable community impact.

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. Astwick manages the alignment of health, travel, life, and pet insurance portfolios to ensure long-term financial stability and member value. By overseeing the executive leadership team, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of innovation across the national healthcare network. Nick Astwick maintains rigorous oversight of corporate governance, ensuring that all business activities adhere to the not-for-profit mission. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine market positioning within the New Zealand insurance landscape. Through the optimization of internal resources and the expansion of service delivery channels, the Chief Executive Officer drives sustainable growth. Astwick secures the future of the society by balancing operational efficiency with the delivery of high-quality, accessible healthcare services for all members.

    Anthony McPhail - Chief Executive Officer - Southern Cross Pet Insurance

    Anthony McPhail, the Chief Executive Officer - Southern Cross Pet Insurance at Southern Cross Health Society, architects the growth strategy for the pet insurance division. McPhail manages product development and underwriting processes tailored to the specific needs of pet owners across New Zealand. Overseeing the customer experience lifecycle, the Chief Executive Officer - Southern Cross Pet Insurance ensures that claims processing remains efficient and transparent. Anthony McPhail drives market penetration by leveraging data analytics to refine coverage options and pricing models. This leadership role requires close collaboration with the broader society to integrate pet health services into the existing insurance ecosystem. By focusing on digital transformation and service accessibility, McPhail enhances the competitive standing of the pet insurance portfolio. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer - Southern Cross Pet Insurance delivers reliable financial protection for pets, supporting the overall mission of the society.

    Andrea Brunner - Chief Operating Officer

    Andrea Brunner, the Chief Operating Officer at Southern Cross Health Society, directs the internal infrastructure and administrative functions of the organization. Brunner manages the daily operational workflows that support the national network of healthcare services. Overseeing the integration of technology into core business processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that service delivery remains seamless and scalable. Andrea Brunner drives operational excellence by streamlining cross-departmental communication and resource allocation. This leadership role involves monitoring performance metrics to identify opportunities for efficiency gains across the insurance and healthcare divisions. By implementing robust operational frameworks, the Chief Operating Officer supports the strategic objectives set by the executive team. Brunner maintains a focus on operational resilience, ensuring that the society continues to provide consistent value to members while navigating the complexities of the New Zealand healthcare 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 operational projects and service delivery standards. Kini manages the implementation of organizational policies that govern the national network of healthcare services. Overseeing the coordination between regional service hubs, the Acting Chief Operating Officer ensures that member support remains consistent and high-quality. Jeanette Kini drives process improvements by identifying bottlenecks in service delivery and implementing corrective measures. This leadership role involves managing the transition of new operational initiatives into the existing business model. By maintaining a focus on service quality and compliance, the Acting Chief Operating Officer supports the broader goals of the society. Kini facilitates collaboration across departments to ensure that operational activities align with the strategic vision, ultimately contributing to the overall efficiency and member satisfaction of the organization.

    Christopher Watney - Chief Marketing Officer

    Christopher Watney, the Chief Marketing Officer at Southern Cross Health Society, architects the brand strategy and market engagement initiatives. Watney manages the communication channels that connect the society with current and prospective members across New Zealand. Overseeing the development of multi-channel campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the value proposition of health, travel, life, and pet insurance remains clear and compelling. Christopher Watney drives brand awareness by analyzing consumer behavior and market trends to refine outreach efforts. This leadership role involves coordinating with product teams to launch new insurance offerings and service enhancements. By fostering strong relationships with external partners and stakeholders, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the reach of the society. Watney secures market share through targeted digital marketing and community-focused initiatives, ensuring that the organization remains a trusted leader in the healthcare and insurance sectors.

    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. Child manages the standards of care provided across the national network of healthcare services. Overseeing the integration of evidence-based medicine into insurance policies, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that member health outcomes remain the primary focus. Stephen Child drives clinical excellence by collaborating with healthcare providers to maintain high quality and safety benchmarks. This leadership role involves advising the executive team on medical trends and the potential impact of new health technologies on the insurance portfolio. By bridging the gap between clinical practice and insurance administration, the Chief Medical Officer supports the development of sustainable healthcare solutions. Child secures the integrity of the society's medical offerings, ensuring that all services meet the rigorous needs of the New Zealand population.
    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.