nib New Zealand has appointed Skye Daniels (pictured) as its new chief executive officer, with her term commencing on Aug. 4.
Daniels joins from Southern Cross Health Society, where she served as chief financial officer. In that capacity, she led several core functions including finance, pricing, data analytics, and investment. She also played a governance role in Southern Cross’ life insurance and Māori strategic initiatives and was involved with Pacific language engagement.
Her prior experience spans various sectors, including aviation, media, advertising, and professional services.
Hanne Janes, chair of nib NZ, said Daniels’s commercial and leadership background is expected to support the organisation’s continued evolution.
“The nib NZ board is delighted Skye has joined nib NZ as CEO and is confident her strong leadership and commercial skills will build on the successful foundation laid by our outgoing CEO Rob Hennin,” she said.
nib NZ board and nib group managing director and chief executive officer Ed Close noted that Daniels’s insight into the domestic healthcare landscape and experience across multiple industries would benefit nib’s strategic aims in New Zealand.
“We look forward to Skye joining nib NZ and leading our NZ team. Skye has strong commercial, strategic, and financial service skills and brings to nib knowledge of the local healthcare market and extensive experience across a broad range of New Zealand industries,” he said.
Daniels said her upcoming role provides an opportunity to work with a purpose-led organisation and contribute to improved outcomes for members and the nib team.
Outgoing CEO Rob Hennin will remain involved to support the handover process.
The leadership change comes as nib NZ reported an operating loss of $10.9 million for the six months ending Dec. 31, 2024, compared to a $13 million profit in the same period a year earlier.
The loss was attributed to rising claims costs, with inflation in the health claims segment reaching 17.6%. Service delivery expenses also rose by 7.6%, and utilisation increased by 9.3%.
Despite these pressures, overall policyholder numbers remained steady.
Hennin noted that premium increases had been implemented to address the cost environment.
“We are mindful of household budgets, but have increased premiums to reflect the impact of higher claims costs,” Hennin said. “We are ambitious about delivering value to members.”
He also highlighted the company’s continued focus on digital initiatives and preventive health programs aimed at long-term member support.
Janes acknowledged the impact of inflation and interest rates on household budgets but said recent signs of easing may help improve operating conditions in the second half of the financial year.
“We know value is crucial for members, now more than ever. In 2H25, we will continue our focus on costs, refocus on innovation and productivity gains, and bring good solutions to healthcare for members,” she said.
