Green Cross Health appoints ex-Fonterra exec as CIO

Green Cross Health has appointed Mark Smith as chief information officer, tasked with leading digital transformation across the group.

Smith joins Green Cross Health, a major provider of primary healthcare in New Zealand, from Fonterra, where he was general manager of digital and analytics,

At the dairy co-operative, he led a team in building and evolving its global digital network, and capitalising on disruptive technologies, such as advanced analytics, Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI).

He is also a member of both the Wynyard Innovation Neighbourhood and AUT Industry Advisory Board.

“This appointment shows we’re serious about digital transformation and future-proofing our business, so we can continue to fulfil the healthcare needs of people in communities throughout New Zealand,” says Steve Browning, Green Cross Health chief financial and chief operating officer, in a statement.

Green Cross Health says it is investing significantly in its technology infrastructure to support operational efficiencies and future growth across the group.

It aims to simplify primary healthcare for patients, with the goal of supporting them to proactively manage their own health using online platforms and health coaching services, in addition to face to face engagement with health professionals.