CEO of health insurer stepping down

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Big changes at little health insurer.

Monday, December 9th 2019, 8:30AM 1 Comment

The chief executive of specialist health insurer, Accuro, has decided it's time for retirement.

Geoff Annals has been with the insurer for 17 years. He joined the board member in 2002, but stepped down as chairman to take up the role of chief executive in September 2013.

“I have reached retirement age and am planning to spend more time with my family and particularly my two new grandchildren, including the latest arrival on the other side of the world,” Annals said.

He is leaving the health sector after more than 30 years, beginning as a registered nurse and progressing to general and senior management positions.

Chairman Tony Haycock said; “Geoff has been invaluable in delivering on the strategy of Accuro being New Zealand’s best little health insurer, which includes Accuro winning recent awards for innovation and customer service. Our ‘Active Insurance’ package has been instigated over the past two years, focusing on real benefits to members and includes access to Best Doctors, the Accuro Health Hub, Mental Health Navigator and our bowel screening kit initiative.”

A recruitment process to appoint the next chief executive is underway. Accuro General Manager marketing, sales and customer, Gavin Rutherford, has been appointed as an interim CEO.

“Gavin has already been deputising when our CEO is away from the office. He is a very capable and experienced pair of hands that ensures our customers will continue to receive the best service,” Haycock said.

There has also been changes at board level too. Erica Hodgson was confirmed as a new member of the Board, elected by the health insurer’s 31,000 strong membership at its recent annual meeting.

“She brings a wealth of experience, at the frontline of medical services, in senior management, governance and the not-for-profit sector,” Haycock said.

Her experience includes the mental health sector, which resonates well with Accuro’s new service offering to members, the Mental Health Navigator.

She replaces Pat Curry.

Also, Toni Ferrier is stepping down from the Accuro board to take up a new role as the chief executive of AIG New Zealand.

“I would also like to congratulate Toni Ferrier on moving to her new role. Toni has made a great contribution to the governance of Accuro since her appointment in July 2017 as an Accuro Co-opted Director. Her extensive commercial insurance experience made her an invaluable asset for both our governance and management teams,” Haycock said.

Tags: Accuro

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