Leadership Team

Adjunct Associate Professor Simon Keating

Group Chief Executive Officer

Simon is a seasoned senior executive with extensive experience in the healthcare sector internationally across both the public and private sectors, including private equity and not-for-profits. Among many qualifications, he holds a Master of Health Science from La Trobe University (2008), a Master of Business Administration from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University (2019) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Simon has worked as a CEO in Private and Public Healthcare, Aged Care and Retirement Living and in Primary Health.

He has also specialised in growth in private equity-backed companies with a tenure as the Managing Director of iMedX Australia and New Zealand; with his most recent role as a CEO of McKenzie Aged Care Group; successfully growing and divesting the business in February 2023.

Simon has a very warm, pragmatic and open leadership style. He has had broad experience in driving outcomes and growth within complex stakeholder environments during his twenty-five years in healthcare. He has a significant breadth of health and commercial experience, which is a perfect fit for Evolution.

Matthew Clarke

Chief Financial Officer

Matthew Clarke brings extensive experience providing strategic financial leadership across a portfolio of businesses with over 20 years of experience in finance and commercial management roles across the services and resources sectors. Returning to New Zealand in 2019 after 15 years spent mostly in the UK and Australia, Matthew has previously held senior finance positions with global quality assurance provider Intertek Group, including Group Treasurer in London and most recently Regional CFO based in Sydney.

Rebecca Atkins

Group Human Resources Manager

Jeff Arthur

General Manager Property & Projects

Michael Quirke

Chief Executive, Hospitals & Day Surgeries

Dr. Christine Howard-Brown

Chief Executive Health & Wellbeing

The Health and Wellbeing Portfolio includes:
• ABI Rehabilitation
• Proactive
• Evolve
• Proactive Occupational Health
• Evolution Care Pathways.

Health quality and equity improvements have been the backbone of Christine’s career, originally training as a registered nurse and since then holding senior leadership positions in health, rehabilitation and disability within large government organisations and as a consultant. This mahi has involved leading (and sponsoring) several national strategies, action plans and service developments / designs that have focused on achieving equitable access and outcomes for people requiring rehabilitation following serious trauma (including spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)).

As current Chair of the National Rehabilitation Providers Group and Governance Group Chair of the Spinal Cord Register, her mantra of ‘the little things matter’ remains unwavered. Discovering what the little things are for kiritaki, whānau, kaimahi, you really have to genuinely connect with them through every interaction and that’s what Chris holds firm to her approach to mahi.

Prior to this, Chris led the team at ABI Rehabilitation as Chief Executive Officer for four and a half years. With a Master of Business Administration and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Medicine, coupled with her health qualifications and experience, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that supports advancing healthcare services in Aotearoa.

Chris takes a practical, collaborative and innovative approach to her role, and takes time to build relationships to strengthen outcomes.

Neetha Alex-Kumar

General Counsel & Company Secretary

Neetha is an accomplished senior business leader and lawyer with over 15 years of experience in navigating complex legal landscapes. Her expertise lies in balancing risks and opportunities to help organisations achieve their strategic goals. Neetha has a proven track record of advising companies on legal matters, especially in regulated environments, ensuring that businesses are both compliant and aligned with their broader objectives. At Evolution Healthcare, Neetha provides invaluable legal guidance and strategic counsel, ensuring continued compliance and supporting the company in achieving its long-term goals. Her extensive experience in legal leadership and her ability to articulate complex issues clearly are key assets.

Marion Webb

Integration Lead

As Integration Lead, Marion Webb is responsible for seamlessly incorporating newly acquired businesses into the Evolution Healthcare fold.

Marion’s professional expertise lies in delivering programs based on transformation, integration, and benefit realisation. Having worked as a trusted advisor for senior management teams at notable companies like Health NZ, Fonterra and PwC, she is highly qualified in the complex area of corporate mergers, acquisitions, and divestments.

Marion also brings a wealth of experience from Aotearoa’s health sector. Previously, she held the position of Assistant GM of Programmes and Performance at Te Whatu Ora Waitematā (Health New Zealand), which recently underwent a merger to simplify New Zealand’s healthcare system. Given her extensive background in corporate integration and her familiarity with the healthcare landscape, Marion is well-matched to Evolution Healthcare.

Marion plays a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth and efficient integration of purchased acquisitions into Evolution Healthcare’s portfolio of businesses. Her ability to effectively manage these processes make her an invaluable asset to the Evolution Healthcare team.

Laura Blackburn

Group Marketing and Communications Manager

Evolution Healthcare’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Laura Blackburn, is a seasoned marketing professional with over two decades of experience in her field. With a strong background in the finance, insurance, and transport sectors, her expertise lies in managing cross-functional teams, collaborating effectively with stakeholders, and enhancing internal communications to align teams with business goals and objectives.

Laura’s career is highlighted by numerous achievements and her tenure showcases her ability to execute successful marketing campaigns across various media channels. Her skills in facilitating internal communication strategies have been instrumental in fostering a cohesive work environment and ensuring that all departments are aligned in driving Evolution Healthcare’s success.

Additionally, Laura has won eight marketing awards since 2010, reflecting her skills in market research and analysis to identify emerging trends and opportunities to drive revenue growth. These awards reflect her commitment to excellence and innovation in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.

Laura plays a pivotal role in driving Evolution Healthcare’s growth and success. Passionate about creating impactful and memorable branding experiences, she provides ongoing insight that continues to enhance the business.

Karen Below Te Arawa | Ngāti Whakaue | Ngāti Rangiwewehi

Manahautū Ora | Senior Cultural Advisor

Tony Clayton

Chief Information Officer

Keith Muller

Group Financial Controller

Nik Cheals

Group Procurement Manager

Katrina Hutching

Group Quality Safety and Risk Manager

Scott Pickering

Evolution Board Chair

Paul DeSouza

QIC Appointed NED

Tom Hodgkinson

QIC Appointed NED

Kim Ngārimu

People and Culture Committee Chair

Ben Thynne

Director

Ben has been in private healthcare for more than 20 years and has significant experience in acquiring, redeveloping and managing private hospitals with a focus of delivering excellence in healthcare. Prior to founding Evolution in 2011 and acting as the Managing Director until 2020, Ben was the Founder and Managing Director of Healthe Care Australia. In 2022, Ben rejoined the Healthe Care Board as Chair and is a current Director of the Australian Private Hospitals Association. Ben’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Law and a Graduate Diploma in Finance and Investment. He has been admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland.

Andrew Blair

Audit and Risk Committee Chair

Dr Richard Grenfell / Chief Medical Director

Director

With over 35 years as a specialist Anaesthetist, Richard Grenfell founded Boulcott Hospital in Wellington, serving as founding Chairman and CEO. He has been intimately involved in the operational management whilst elevating the medical and surgical capability of the hospital since its inception. Richard stepped down from his role as Chairman in 2005 and as Managing Director in June 2015. He was a Director of Wakefield Hospital from 1989 to 1997 and is currently the Medical Director and a Director of Evolution Healthcare.