Our Board

Tony is the inaugural Chief Executive of thePHO and a senior executive with more than 20 years’ experience across healthcare, digital health, technology, and FMCG. He has held chief executive, chief financial officer, and senior corporate leadership roles, with a strong track record in strategy, growth, governance, and organisational transformation.

Previously, Tony served as Chief Executive of the listed medical provider Third Age Health and as Chief Financial Officer and General Manager – Corporate Services at ProCare Health, where he oversaw finance, technology, and corporate operations. His earlier career included senior roles with Atlantis Healthcare, Fonterra, and Fletcher Challenge, alongside leadership experience in start-ups and high-growth organisations.

A qualified accountant (NZ CA), Tony currently chairs the Digital Health Association and has served two elected terms on its Board. He also contributes to a number of health and community organisations through governance and advisory roles, with a particular interest in digital innovation, system improvement, and strengthening health outcomes across Aotearoa.

Rachael is a global healthcare leader with over 30 years working in the clinical and commercial healthcare sector spanning four continents. Rachael is passionate about the health of New Zealanders and through partnerships and strategic collaborations, is keen on supporting our country in gaining the best possible health outcomes for our people. Rachael started her career in New Zealand as a clinical Radiation Therapist then worked in various roles of Sales, Marketing, Healthcare Regulation, and Leadership roles across the UK, USA, Australia, and New Zealand.

Rachael is currently the General Manager of Rauland New Zealand and has previously held key roles at Elekta in the oncology sector with a focus on Digital treatment delivery solutions and Software as a Service. Rachael has an MBA in International Healthcare from the University of Cumbria.

Vanessa Ding is a seasoned product and innovation leader in digital health, with an academic background in psychology and biology. She specialises in transforming evidence into impact through a deliberate blend of research, co-design, and commercial strategy that delivers scalable, positive outcomes equitably for whānau and communities.

As Group Innovation Lead for NGO Wise Group and Executive Leader of its innovation pipeline—including Here to help U and Just a Thought—Vanessa drives the design and delivery of people-centred digital health solutions.

Her leadership career includes the establishment of Ignite as part of Ka Puta Ka Ora (Emerge Aotearoa) and modernising SPARX during her tenure as General Manager of the National Institute for Health Innovation at the University of Auckland.

John is the CEO of Spark Health and a recognised leader in health sector transformation. Known for his innovative approach and storytelling ability, John excels in engaging audiences and driving digital change. His experience spans policy and commissioning roles with the Ministry of Health, as well as advancing initiatives like Health Care Home, Indici, and big data in Primary and Community Care.

John has worked internationally in the UK, U.S., and the Middle East, focusing on health reform and modernising clinical models. He also helped grow Tend Health’s clinic network from 1 to 25. With governance experience in areas like Angel Investment and Private Education, John brings valuable insights to the DHA Board.