In a notable development today, Spark has publicly declared the appointment of John Macaskill-Smith as the Chief Executive for Spark Health, signifying a pivotal moment in the trajectory of healthcare digitalization in New Zealand.

John Macaskill-Smith is no stranger to the industry, boasting an extensive career that spans both the public and private sectors. Prior to joining Spark, he served as the Chief Network Officer at Tend Health. His expertise doesn't just stop there. In his impressive career, he has held senior roles in various renowned organisations, such as the Health Funding Authority and the Ministry of Health, in addition to being a prominent figure in primary care organisations.

Regarded for his significant contributions to healthcare and digital adoption, not only in New Zealand but globally, John has been at the forefront of introducing new ownership and commercial models in the healthcare sector. His innovative approach to incorporating digital services has had a transformative impact on health and other systems, finding widespread adoption across several nations including New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and the Middle East.

Speaking on John’s recent appointment, Mark Beder, Spark's Customer Director Enterprise and Government, showered praises on John's dedication and drive in the healthcare sector. He expresses, “John is passionate about bridging the gap between technology and outcomes, and leading passionate teams to enable health sector digital transformation, empowering clinicians, and prioritising exceptional patient experiences. Now more than ever, technology is a critical enabler of making patient care more efficient, personalised, and accessible."

Mark Beder further highlighted the symbiotic nature of John’s association with Spark Health, stating, “We are pleased to have John join the Spark Health whānau as a natural progression in his mission to continually elevate healthcare experiences for patients and clinicians alike across Aotearoa, for the benefit of all. With John leading our talented team, he will be a huge asset to Spark as we grow our ambitions for greater digitisation of our health sector across Aotearoa and the communities we serve.”

Spark Health has indeed been carving out a niche for itself in the digital healthcare space. Just last year, the firm secured national contracts for digital services under the fresh establishment of Te Whatu Ora. This achievement builds upon their ongoing efforts to supply software and IT services, digital infrastructure, and cloud services, which act as a catalyst for digital transformation in health sector organisations.

The announcement affirmed that John Macaskill-Smith has assumed his new role as Chief Executive for Spark Health with immediate effect, heralding an era of innovation and transformation in the healthcare sector spearheaded by his proven leadership and visionary approach.