In a planned succession, White will take over the reins from longstanding CEO Terry Moore.
Southern Cross Healthcare has announced that longstanding chief executive Terry Moore will retire and hand the reins to chief operating officer Chris White, who will become interim CEO from October 1 this year.
In a planned succession, White will transition from his current role as COO for the business, where he is responsible for the national network of hospitals and specialist centres.
Moore will move to a new role of strategic adviser to the Healthcare business to support the transition. Thereafter he plans to expand his advisory and governance roles.
Southern Cross Healthcare chair Greg Gent commented: “In many ways the business is ready for a new phase, and all have agreed the time is right for a leadership change. It’s important we have a smooth transition and this approach allows us all time to ensure the business can continue its track record of world-class patient care.
“During Terry’s tenure of 20-plus years he has grown a highly successful business that has fundamentally changed the private healthcare landscape in New Zealand and today is New Zealand’s largest network of private hospitals … we are grateful for Terry’s leadership and vision over the last 20-odd years,” Gent said.
“Chris is a highly experienced executive, a proven CEO and a strong, values-driven.
“Healthcare is in a very good position and the board looks forward to getting behind Chris to take it through to the next exciting period of growth.”
White said: “Southern Cross Healthcare … medical specialists, healthcare professionals and dedicated teams right across New Zealand all strive to be to be the very best in their respective fields every day.
“Healthcare businesses the world over are transforming to meet future patient needs and, despite the challenges of Covid-19, we are well positioned to continue leading the sector in new technology development and healthcare delivery excellence.”
A part of the Southern Cross group, Southern Cross Healthcare comprises a nationwide family of joint venture and wholly owned hospitals, specialist centres, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and employer health and wellness providers.
Chris White joined the Southern Cross group as CEO of the Benefits Insurance business in 2017, moving to Southern Cross Healthcare in September 2020.
