Movers and Shakers – September 2023

NEWS - eHealthNews.nz editor Rebecca McBeth

Russell Craig
Russell Craig has joined the Hira programme at Te Whatu Ora, data and digital, as director of industry engagement. Based in Wellington, Craig has a wealth of local and international expertise in both public sector and commercial roles, including at the Ministry of Health and the State Services Commission, followed by time with Cisco, and most recently as national technology and security officer for Microsoft.

He says he sees himself sitting at the intersection of demand and supply for the digital health capabilities that will support the transformational health outcomes enabled by Hira.

“This includes working and partnering with digital health suppliers on understanding and aligning to the direction of travel, finding ways to stimulate the further digital innovation we need to realise the vision of Te Pae Tata, and creating new opportunities for our health IT industry, both in Aotearoa and internationally,” he says.

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John Macaskill-Smith
John Macaskill-Smith has been appointed chief executive for Spark Health. He joins Spark following his role as chief network officer at Tend Health.

Macaskill-Smith brings a broad depth of experience from across both public and private sectors where he has held senior roles across a range of organisations, including the Health Funding Authority, Ministry of Health and Primary Care organisations.

Mark Beder, Spark customer director enterprise and government said, “(Macaskill-Smith) is passionate about bridging the gap between technology and outcomes, and leading passionate teams to enable health sector digital transformation, empowering clinicians, and prioritising exceptional patient experiences."

Karen Blake
Karen Blake has been appointed as the new regional vice president and country head for public sector in New Zealand at Salesforce.

She is leading the public sector team to enable public sector transformation and creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all New Zealanders with platform technology and cloud computing.

Blake is working across a global team to bring the best resources and strategy to New Zealand.

She is also serving the HiNZ community as the board chair, and remains committed to improving health and wellbeing through data and digital.

Doug Healey
Doug Healey has been appointed director digital ICT at Te Aka Whai Ora.

Healey’s transformative leadership has profoundly impacted Māori health inequities. Engaging deeply with Iwi, Hapū, and Marae, he embodies Te Tiriti o Waitangi's principles.

He has pioneered health centres, addressing pivotal areas like dental health and housing. A visionary leveraging technology, Healey has crafted tailored solutions for local needs.

Healey says that as director digital ICT he will champion AI and digital platforms, foreseeing a progressive digital trajectory for the organisation.

Nick Evans
Nick Evans has joined Amtelco’s healthcare branch, 1Call, as the regional sales manager for the New Zealand and Australian markets. After decades of experience providing solutions and successful strategic plans to customers, most recently a five-year stint with Avaya as their territory manager across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, Evans brings extensive knowledge and understanding of New Zealand’s health sector.

“As the hub of communications, healthcare contact centres play a significant role in our national goal of simplifying and unifying the health system,” he says.

“I am excited to be part of Amtelco’s endeavor to bring their critical communication solutions here to Aotearoa.”

Rachael Bissell
Rachael Bissell has been appointed general manager at Rauland NZ.

She will be responsible for overseeing Rauland’s operations in New Zealand and driving the adoption of Concentric Care, the innovative clinical collaboration and communication platform.

Cameron Burt, chief executive Rauland Australia and New Zealand, says Bissell has worked in the medical industry for over 25 years and demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of the New Zealand health system.

Bissall says, “I am thrilled to be part of a company that is dedicated to transforming how health professionals collaborate, communicate and provide care.”

James Ryan
James recently joined the Digital Health Association (DHA) as business operations manager and comes with a diverse range of skills and experience.

He has a background in the education sector that includes leadership and development, plus worked in social services and environmental management as well as has practical experience in the IT industry.

With a solid customer service focus, his goal is to contribute to helping achieve a stronger more resilient health system connected through digital health and he has a passion for improving outcomes and social equity.


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