Andrea Brunner joins Southern Cross Health Insurance as Chief Operating Officer
Bringing with her an impressive track record in executive leadership, primarily in financial services and spanning a wide range of functions, Southern Cross Health Insurance is announcing the appointment of Andrea Brunner as Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Nick Astwick, Southern Cross Health Insurance CEO, 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.”
Brunner joins Southern Cross from NZ Rugby, where she has been Chief People, Safety and Wellbeing Officer since 2022. Before that she spent 12 years at Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), New Zealand’s leading provider of general insurance to the rural sector. Here she held two executive leadership roles: Chief Client Officer and Chief People, Marketing & Distribution Officer.
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.
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.
Astwick said, “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 commenced at Southern Cross on April 3.
