Southern Cross Health Society appoints new CEO

The Southern Cross Health Society board has appointed Jan O'Keefe as its next chief executive, effective February 1, 2027. O'Keefe joins the society from HBF Health, one of Australia's largest not-for-profit health insurers, where she is chief commercial officer. Prior to HBF Health, she held senior executive roles across health insurance and healthcare organisations including HBF Health, Medibank Group (including ahm insurance), and I-Med Radiology. Southern Cross Health Society chair Chris Black said O'Keefe's appointment followed a comprehensive executive recruitment process. 'Jan's experience across health insurance, healthcare delivery, and customer-led organisations made her a standout candidate. She brings a unique combination of experience, leadership capability, and values to build on the strong foundations established over the past decade and lead the society through its next phase of growth and development.' O'Keefe, who returns home to New Zealand following 15 years overseas, said: 'Southern Cross Health Society is one of New Zealand's most respected and trusted organisations, with a proud history and a clear sense of purpose, direction, and ambition. 'It is a privilege to return home to New Zealand to lead an organisation that has such an important place in the lives of its members. I'm looking forward to meeting the Society team and working alongside them to continue delivering for New Zealanders.' Black thanked outgoing chief executive Nick Astwick for his leadership and said a clear transition plan was in place ahead of O'Keefe joining the organisation on February 1, 2027. 'Nick has led the society with distinction over the past decade and leaves the organisation in a strong position. The board is grateful for his leadership and for his commitment to supporting a smooth and effective transition.' This is supplied content and not commissioned or paid for by NBR.