Southern Cross Healthcare appoints Associate Professor Arend Merrie as Chief Medical Officer

Southern Cross Healthcare has appointed respected surgeon and clinical leader Associate Professor Arend Merrie as Chief Medical Officer (CMO), strengthening the organisation’s strategic clinical leadership and clinical governance across its nationwide hospital network.
 
As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CMO provides the senior clinical voice across Southern Cross Healthcare, supporting evidence-based practice, continuous improvement, and strong partnerships with credentialled medical specialists and hospital teams.
 
Southern Cross Healthcare Chief Executive Officer Chris White said the appointment reflects the organisation’s commitment to safe, high-quality care as it continues to evolve and invest in its nationwide network.
 
“Arend brings exceptional clinical credibility and deep governance experience. He has already made a significant contribution as Chair of our National Clinical Governance Committee, and we’re excited to welcome him into the Chief Medical Officer role to help strengthen clinical leadership, support consistent standards and outcomes, and guide the adoption of best practice across our network,” Mr White said.
 
Associate Professor Merrie is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and holds a PhD in Surgery from the University of Otago. He has held senior clinical leadership roles within Health New Zealand / Te Whatu Ora, including Director of Surgical Services. He is also an independent expert reviewer for the Health & Disability Commissioner, is on the performance assessment committee for Medical Council of New Zealand, and is an Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Auckland.
 
Associate Professor Merrie will start in his new role at the beginning of August. He is in the process of relocating to Nelson and will continue to practice part time at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Nelson Hospital and from Southern Cross Hospital Nelson. Associate Professor Merrie will divide his time between his practice in Nelson and the network of Southern Cross Healthcare hospitals and health and wellness providers across New Zealand.
 
The appointment follows an executive search across New Zealand and Australia.