Southern Cross Healthcare appoints Renate Swart as Chief Financial Officer

Southern Cross Healthcare has appointed Renate Swart as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), recognising the strong leadership, strategic insight and financial expertise she has demonstrated while serving as Interim CFO.

The appointment comes as Southern Cross Healthcare continues to deliver its Reimagining 2033 strategy and invest in strengthening healthcare services and outcomes for New Zealanders.  

Chief Executive Officer Chris White said Renate had made a significant contribution to the organisation during an important period of growth and transformation.

"Renate has demonstrated exceptional leadership during her time as Interim CFO, providing strategic direction across a broad portfolio while helping strengthen our financial capability and commercial discipline," Mr White said.  

"She brings extensive executive leadership experience, deep financial expertise, and a collaborative leadership style that has earned the confidence of our Board, Executive Leadership Team and colleagues across the organisation."  

"As we continue to deliver on our Reimagining 2033 strategy, Renate's leadership will be instrumental in ensuring we remain well positioned to invest in high-quality healthcare services, strengthen our network, and support sustainable growth for the future."  

A Chartered Accountant, Renate brings more than 20 years' experience across finance, strategy, transformation and organisational leadership in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. Prior to joining Southern Cross Healthcare, she was a Partner at PwC New Zealand and held several senior leadership positions with BNZ and Whakarongorau Aotearoa (Healthline), including serving as Chief Operating Officer and COVID Programme Director.

Renate said she was excited by the opportunity to continue contributing to Southern Cross Healthcare's purpose and strategy.

"I am honoured to be appointed Chief Financial Officer at Southern Cross Healthcare and grateful for the confidence the Board and Executive Leadership Team have placed in me."  

"As Interim CFO I've had the opportunity to work alongside talented teams across the organisation and see first-hand the dedication people bring to supporting quality healthcare for New Zealanders."  

"Southern Cross Healthcare has a clear purpose, an ambitious strategy and an important role to play in the future of healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand. I look forward to continuing to strengthen our financial capability, supporting sustainable growth and helping deliver the next phase of our Reimagining 2033 strategy."

Mr White said the appointment also reflects Southern Cross Healthcare's commitment to building leadership capability from within the organisation.

"Renate's appointment demonstrates the depth of talent we have across Southern Cross Healthcare and our commitment to developing leaders who can help advance the provision of quality healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand."