Manager Tasked With Improving Health

20 August 2004

New Corporate Manager Tasked With Improving
Health Of New Zealand Businesses

The new Head of Corporate Solutions for Southern Cross Medical Care Society says his mission is to help New Zealand businesses become healthier.

Peter Tynan (38) has returned from overseas to take up his new position in a role that will see him develop and enhance vital corporate relationships with Southern Cross.

Southern Cross Group Chief Executive, Dr Ian McPherson said the health insurer was very fortunate to have found a business relations expert of Mr Tynan’s calibre and experience.

“Peter is exceptionally suited and well-qualified to lead our corporate relationships and initiatives. We’re confident his knowledge of the New Zealand corporate sector will prove invaluable to employers and us, as Southern Cross focuses more on business to business associations over the next year,” said Dr McPherson.

Peter Tynan is a Kiwi who has been with American Express for the last 8 years in a series of senior roles, initially in New Zealand and more recently overseas.

His most recent position – Head of Strategic Resources based in Sydney – was responsible for new product development, product management, marketing and communications and technology platform management across various parts of the Asia-Pacific region.

Peter said as a Kiwi he wanted to come back to New Zealand to give his kids the same opportunities as he had growing up.

Mr Tynan said, “With New Zealand experiencing an increased demand for health services by an aging population, continuous technological advances in the health industry and strong economic growth, it’s an exciting time to be home.
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“Southern Cross is in the process of developing new innovative services. The organisation is placing a huge focus on members and obviously where I’m concerned, the employer relationships.”

He said the future for successful corporate health is not just insurance against the ills but total health management – with innovative and simple plans.

“It is fundamental we add value to businesses and their employees by enabling better access for Kiwi’s to health care through preventative care such as for flu vaccinations, annual check-ups, and stress management consultations as well as insurance for serious events, said Mr Tynan.

“My main focus over the next year is to make sure we at Southern Cross make the corporate businesses we work with more successful; and deliver tangible outcomes.

“If we can improve best practices of a business through a focus on health management, we can reduce sick leave, increase productivity and improve retention of staff as well as help position a business as an employer of choice.”

Mr Tynan said he sees this new role within Southern Cross as an opportunity to really add value and contribute to the wellbeing of New Zealand’s society.

“This is in fact totally consistent with the values of Southern Cross. Southern Cross is a fundamental component of New Zealand Society and its health System.”

ENDS

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