New Zealand based Southern Cross Health Insurance has announced the appointment of Andrea Brunner as chief operating officer (COO).
Brunner, a qualified lawyer, has a track record of more than 20 years in executive leadership, primarily in financial services and spanning a wide range of functions.
She joins Southern Cross from NZ Rugby, where she has been chief people, safety and wellbeing officer since 2022.
Before that Brunner spent 12 years at Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), New Zealand’s leading provider of general insurance to the rural sector. While there she held two executive leadership roles: chief client officer and chief people, marketing and distribution officer.
The COO role has been held for some time by Anthony McPhail in tandem with his position as CEO for Southern Cross Pet Insurance, which he recently moved to in a full-time capacity.
Nick Astwick, CEO of Southern Cross Health Insurance said: “We had a strong pool of high calibre candidates for this critical role.
“Andrea stood out due to her customer and people driven leadership, a proven track record in operational excellence, and as an accomplished and experienced executive leader in financial services. She is a perfect fit for leadership within our culture.
“We’ve enjoyed exceptional growth at Southern Cross Health Insurance over the last few years and I am thankful for the vital stewardship shown by Anthony McPhail.
“I’m excited he can now concentrate on helping our pets live their best pet life. Anthony is handing the COO position over to Andrea in terrific shape.”
Brunner said of her new appointment: “Southern Cross is a well-respected, member-driven organisation and this holds a strong values alignment for me.
“The role enables me to utilise my extensive experience in insurance alongside my passion and interest in health and wellbeing.”
Brunner started at Southern Cross on 3 April.
