Southern Cross Pet Insurance (SCPI) has announced the appointment of Donna Cooper (pictured) to its board of directors, effective Nov. 1.
The move is part of a broader series of leadership changes across the Southern Cross group, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and maintain a competitive position in New Zealand’s insurance sector.
Cooper brings extensive executive and governance experience to the SCPI board. Her career includes leadership roles in New Zealand, the UK, India, and Australia.
She has served as chief executive at TSB Bank and The Warehouse Financial Services, and held senior positions at American Express International.
Cooper is also a current board member at BSP Financial Group and SkyCity Entertainment Group, where she chairs key committees.
In addition, she provides advisory services to fintech start-ups and consults across the Australasian region.
Chris Black, chair of Southern Cross Medical Care Society, commented on the appointment, stating that Cooper’s international experience and strategic perspective are expected to support SCPI’s continued growth in the pet insurance market.
“Donna’s passion for making a tangible difference aligns perfectly with SCPI’s mission to support New Zealand’s pet owners and their more than 65,000 companions,” he said.
Cooper expressed her perspective on joining the board.
“As a pet owner, I absolutely understand the deep bond we share with our animals, and I’m excited to help shape a future where pet owners feel supported and empowered,” she said.
In addition to her new role, Cooper is involved with several professional organisations, including YPO New Zealand, the Taranaki Global Women in Leadership Series, Global Women, the New Zealand Institute of Directors, and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Elsewhere in the group, Southern Cross Medical Care Society has also appointed Venasio-Lorenzo (Vena) Crawley to its board, effective Oct. 1.
Crawley’s background includes governance roles with organisations such as Variety Children’s Charity, Orion Group Limited, and Summerset Group.
He also chairs the Auckland University of Technology Business School Advisory Board and is a member of the Institute of Directors Pacific Advisory Group.
In other related developments, Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has appointed Dr Dwayne Crombie to its board of directors, following the departure of Julia Raue.
Crombie, who joined the Southern Cross Health Society board in 2022, has held senior roles in both public and private health and insurance sectors in Australasia.
He also chairs Repromed New Zealand and InLife Independent Living, and serves on the boards of the Southern Cross Health Trust and its subsidiaries.
SCTI has further expanded its executive team with the appointment of Laurence Hunter as chief underwriting officer.
Hunter’s experience includes senior roles at Laka and Lloyd’s in the UK and Europe, with expertise in product development, regulatory compliance, and international market expansion.
