The NZMA (New Zealand Medical Association) announced that it has appointed a new CEO. Lesley Clarke, who now works as Executive General Manager at Medibank Health Solutions New Zealand Limited, will start her new job with NZMA in early June.

According to Dr. Peter Foley, NZMA Chair, Ms. Clarke will do an incredible job in her new position. “She has a very strong track record in advocacy and government relations, stakeholder management and strategic, financial and operational management. Lesley is well respected in the Wellington political health scene and will bring a wealth of experience to the role”, he said.

Ms. Clarke stated that she was happy and excited to start in her new position because the NZMA was an effective organization in advocating for doctors and their patients alike. She said that there were many different issues inside of the health sector that she saw as exciting challenges that she wanted to help progress further.

Ms. Clarke has previously worked for the NZMA as the Manager of Policy and Development and Deputy CEO from 1997 to 1999. She will replace Cameron McIver who worked for 15 years as the CEO of the NZMA. Until she is able to fully start in the position, Operations Manager Anna Phipps will work as the interim acting CEO.