Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has made two significant leadership appointments as it continues to grow its operations in New Zealand and Australia.
The company has welcomed Dr Dwayne Crombie (pictured) to its board of directors, following the departure of long-serving director Julia Raue.
In a separate move, SCTI has also appointed Laurence Hunter as chief underwriting officer.
The SCTI board recently saw the completion of Julia Raue’s term as director. Raue’s tenure coincided with a period of considerable change in the travel insurance sector, shaped by the pandemic, evolving customer expectations, and increased competition.
Chair Cassandra Crowley recognised Raue’s service, noting that she was leaving SCTI well-positioned as the company moves forward with its strategic plans in New Zealand and seeks to expand its reach in Australia.
“The board and the executive team thank Julia for her outstanding guidance and contribution to SCTI’s sustained success in what has been a turbulent time for any business connected with travel. The pandemic, changing trends and customer expectations, and significant competitor activity have pushed us all to seek new ways of working to succeed. Julia has played an important role in this mahi. We wish her well in her future endeavours,” she said.
Dr Crombie, who has served on the Southern Cross Health Society board since 2022, steps into the director role at SCTI.
Crowley commented: “We’re excited to welcome Dwayne to the team with his trans-Tasman insurance and health experience. Each year, we support thousands of customers who go through insurable events when travelling at home in New Zealand and Australia and around the globe. His insights will be greatly appreciated.”
Dr Crombie’s career spans more than 30 years in senior executive roles across both public and private health and insurance organisations in Australasia. He previously led Bupa Health Insurance in Australia and currently chairs Repromed New Zealand and InLife Independent Living.
Crombie also holds board positions with the Southern Cross Health Trust and its subsidiaries.
Commenting on his new position, Crombie said: “I see the essential role SCTI plays in our customers’ adventures and lives, and I am really looking forward to working with the team to support growth in our reach and impact across Australasia.”
His appointment to the SCTI board became effective on Sept. 30.
SCTI has also expanded its executive team with the appointment of Laurence Hunter as chief underwriting officer.
Hunter brings experience from international insurance markets, having held senior roles at Laka and Lloyd’s in the UK and Europe. His background includes work in product development, regulatory compliance, and international market expansion.
Hunter commented: “I’m thrilled to be joining Southern Cross Travel Insurance, a brand that New Zealanders and Australians know and trust. SCTI has an outstanding track record of helping people travel with confidence, and I’m excited to build on that legacy by unlocking new growth opportunities.”
