Active+ appoints new chief executive

There's to be a changing of the guard at the Southern Cross Healthcare joint venture Active+ with managing director Gill Webb announcing she will step down at the end of June after 30 years at the helm.

Wednesday, April 14th 2021, 11:55AM

Mike Bignall

Stepping into the role of chief executive at Active+ will be Mike Bignall, who has extensive sector experience having held several senior management roles with the ACC in rehabilitation services, partnerships and performance and health procurement.

Webb founded the multi-disciplinary health business in 1990, with Active+ now offering a wide range of preventative and rehabilitative services around the country including physiotherapy, occupational health, dietetics, psychology and counselling.

“My vision and passion for many years has been to create a holistic service to help get Kiwis back on their feet, and Active+ today is a reflection of that commitment,” says Webb.

“The time now feels right to let Active+ thrive under new leadership and I couldn’t think of a better person to take on that role than Mike.

"He has proven business acumen and will bring a fresh energy to advance the Active+ offering in the community.”

Bignall has also worked for PHARMAC, the Ministry for Primary Industries and has held various roles with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, including a recent secondment with MIQ.

He will take on the chief executive role for both Active Physio Ltd (the physiotherapy franchising arm of Active+) and Active Ltd (the supply arm of Active+ of rehabilitation services).

“It’s a real privilege to join the Active+ team and to take the reins from Gill who has built the organisation into one of New Zealand’s leading multi-disciplinary rehabilitation suppliers,” Bignall says.

Southern Cross Healthcare chief executive Terry Moore says under Webb’s leadership Active+ has grown to more than 20 franchise clinics from Northland to Manawatu, and now has 900 clinicians across New Zealand.

"She’s achieved admirable business growth and has made a huge impact in improving the rehabilitation needs of many New Zealanders. Gill will be missed by everyone who has had the pleasure of working with her, and on behalf of everyone at Active+, I wish her all the best," Moore says.

“We also look forward to welcoming Mike to Active+. He’ll be working closely with Gill before she finishes in June to ensure a seamless leadership transition for all Active+ clinicians and patients,” said Moore.

From July 1, Southern Cross Healthcare will hold all shares of Active Physio Ltd and the majority of shares in Active Ltd along with the other shareholders Andy Schmidt and Corne Mackie.

Tags: Active+ Mike Bignall Southern Cross Terry Moore