UniMed CEO Dermot Martin has announced his retirement after 30 years at the company’s helm. He will be succeeded by Louise Zacest, effective January 2021.
Zacest joins UniMed from Healthcare New Zealand, where she held several senior executive positions, including acting chief executive. She is currently general manager for strategy & partnerships.
Earlier in her career, Zacest held leadership roles at with Southern Cross, Tower Financial Service Group and Counties Manukau District Health Board.
In a statement, UniMed chair Jane Huria paid tribute to Martin’s contributions to UniMed over the past three decades.
“Dermot has led UniMed through a time of significant transformation, challenges, and change to make us one of the most trusted health insurers in New Zealand,” said Huria. “Today we have more than 92,000 Kiwis entrusting their insurance to us and it’s increasing every year. That is a reflection of his foresight as he has carefully mapped a strategic growth path for UniMed.
“Together with his business acumen, he has always kept the welfare of our members at the heart of everything we do – never more so than during COVID-19 when Dermot and his team worked tirelessly to help our members.”
Martin said it was the right time for a new chief executive to take the company forward.
“We have a fantastic team who are truly committed to looking after our members,” he said. “They always remember that they work for our members. It’s been particularly rewarding to help support our members during times of ill health by at least taking away the financial worry.
“I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed the many successful amalgamations and acquisitions over the years that have added to our family of members along with the associated financial implications to always ensure our society is financially well founded.”
