Movers and Shakers – October 2025

NEWS - eHealthNews.nz editor Rebecca McBeth 

Ryl Jensen

Ryl Jensen has joined Health New Zealand as a principal advisor, digital strategy and policy. 

In this role, she will provide senior-level advice and leadership on digital strategies and operational policies, helping to shape practical, evidence-based approaches that reflect the broader organisational, health sector, government, and technology context. 

She previously served as chief executive of the Digital Health Association NZ for over four years, where she was at the forefront of advocacy, worked closely with industry and government, and led sector-wide initiatives to advance digital health. 

Jensen holds a Master of Health from Victoria University of Wellington, with a thesis on digital health governance and is passionate about improving health outcomes through evidence-based digital innovation.

Garry Johnston

Garry Johnston has been appointed general manager of digital and innovation at Pinnacle, a Primary Health Care Organisation (PHO) as a member of their senior leadership team.

Johnston says he is delighted to join Pinnacle after nearly six years in senior leadership positions in the Waikato DHB and then Health NZ. 

“Pinnacle has a well deserved reputation as a values centred organisation that is deeply rooted in its mission of service to its community,” he says. 

“I am excited to continue my journey in health with them, working to accelerate the adoption of digital in primary and community care, with a specific focus on the adoption of AI and Agentic AI.”

Simon Kos 

Simon Kos has joined Heidi Health as global chief medical officer. In this key executive role he is responsible for clinical engagement, thought leadership, brand ambassadorship, product roadmap, and go-to-market enablement. 

Heidi is the most deployed ambient clinical AI solution globally, with 2 million notes processed weekly in 116 countries in 110 languages.

Kos is an AHPRA registered medical practitioner who practiced critical care medicine before embarking on a career in digital health. 

Prior roles over two decades include physician executive with Cerner, global chief medical officer of Microsoft based in Seattle, and CEO of Next Practice. He holds a MBBS and BSc(Med) from UNSW, an MBA from AGSM, and is Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Digital Health.

Kate Dowson

Kate Dowson has been appointed chief strategic growth and planning officer at Tāmaki Health, one of Aotearoa’s largest primary care providers. In this newly created role, she leads strategic planning, growth initiatives, and sector partnerships to strengthen access, sustainability, and outcomes across its nationwide network of clinics and services.

She brings extensive leadership experience across the health sector, most recently as group manager – system integration for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, where she oversaw commissioning of primary and community services across the Northern Region. 

Dowson is passionate about advancing health equity, fostering innovation, and driving data-informed service improvement.

Brian More

Brian More recently joined Health NZ as a principal advisor, digital strategy and policy.

He is focused on advancing Health NZ’s Digital Investment Plan and shaping digital strategy across the health system and government. 

With senior leadership experience at Westpac, Telecom, Department of Internal Affairs, IBM, and NZ Transport Agency, More brings deep expertise in enterprise transformation. 

Motivated by his parents' health journeys, he is committed to improving outcomes through equitable, person-centred digital care and sees immense opportunity in cross-sector collaboration to unlock the potential of digital technologies for better health outcomes.

Sarah Sun 

Sarah Sun has joined PwC New Zealand as director, customer transformation, bringing rich experience in digital transformation, AI strategy, and ecosystem leadership across both public sector and industry. 

Named one of the Top 50 Global Government Innovators 2024, Sun has led national AI and emerging technology initiatives through roles at Callaghan Innovation and represents New Zealand in global AI standards development through the ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42 committee. 

At PwC, she champions an innovation mindset, combining strong AI governance with a spirit of experimentation and is passionate about helping organisations explore what is next while creating inclusive, future-ready solutions that make a real difference for people and communities.

Grant Anthony 

Grant Anthony has taken on the role of CIO and CISO at HEALWELL AI, where he leads a team providing technology and security services across the organisation.

Anthony and his team work closely with customers, partners, and external assurance entities to ensure that HEALWELL AI’s processes and systems operate effectively and remain compliant within the complex global regulatory landscape.

With a focus on AI, he is driving innovation and fostering collaboration across HEALWELL AI’s business units. He brings more than 17 years of experience designing, implementing, and leading IT programmes across North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.

Rowena Woolgar 

Rowena Woolgar has commenced as director of Arise Consulting Ltd, an independent consultancy based in Christchurch. Now in its second year, Arise Consulting has delivered both local and national engagements, as well as supporting select international opportunities. 

As a dynamic fractional CTO, COO, delivery leader and AI implementation activist,  Woolgar partners with organisations to drive operational uplift, strengthen business systems, and deliver multi-year transformation initiatives. 

Previously an associate director at PwC New Zealand in the Hauora (Health) team, Woolgar continues to be engaged in digital health and disability inclusion, championing accessible, technology-driven solutions that foster equity, participation, and capability across Aotearoa.

 

Andrew Bowater 

Andrew Bowater has been appointed HEALWELL AI senior vice president people and culture whilst continuing in his current role as Orion Health vice president operations marketing and corporate affairs, based in Auckland. 

He joined the Orion Health team in 2021 as global vice president of public affairs, bringing with him strong experience across public, political and corporate communications.

In his role at Orion, Bowater has led global public affairs strategy, building strong stakeholder relationships, managing media presence, and safeguarding reputation.

 

Nick Loveridge-Easther

Nick Loveridge-Easther is a GP and now clinical director at Practice.AI. 

First and foremost a clinician, he believes a strong primary-care sector, with General Practice at its heart, is the foundation of high-quality healthcare in Aotearoa. He is committed to developing innovative models of care and responsible technologies that enhance the viability, efficiency, and quality of care for communities. 

At Practice.AI, Loveridge-Easther promotes the design of clinician-led, AI-powered tools grounded in safety, transparency, and robust clinical-governance oversight, ensuring technology empowers practitioners and strengthens the human connection at the centre of healthcare.

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