Cluster Press Release - Appointment of New CEO

The New Zealand Health IT Cluster is pleased to announce the appointment of Dougal McKechnie to the role of Chief Executive Officer.

Gavin Wright, Cluster Chairman, said: "The Board is delighted with this appointment.  Dougal comes to us after three years with the Health Information Strategy Advisory Committee.  He brings significant knowledge of the health system, strong understanding of the machinery of Government, and excellent clinical, consumer and executive networks across the health sector."

"An early focus will be to reinvigorate and place increased emphasis on ways we can ensure the objectives of the members and the industry are being realised through increased collaboration, networking, advocacy, and building business capability", said Mr Wright.

The Health IT Cluster is a vibrant alliance of vendors and supporting members including academia, health care providers and policy makers.  Vendor members represent multi-nationals and local companies providing information and technology solutions to the health sector.  Cluster membership continues to grow and now stands at over 70 organisations.

Dougal McKechnie said: "I'm looking forward to enhancing the role the Cluster plays in the health sector, and strengthening our engagement based on the principles of public-private partnership."

"The New Zealand health sector is widely acknowledged internationally as early adopters of information solutions, and as innovators.  A key goal for the Cluster going forward will be to better utilise the collective knowledge and expertise among the membership to achieve efficiencies in the delivery of health care and improve health outcomes for New Zealanders", Mr McKechnie said.

Dougal will take up the role on 7 September and will be based in Wellington.  In the interim Gavin Wright will provide executive support.

To view Dougal McKechnie's Bio please click here

For further comment contact:

Gavin Wright

Chair, New Zealand Health IT Cluster

021 399 600