Our Team

Adjunct Associate Professor Simon Keating

Group Chief Executive Officer

Simon is a seasoned senior executive with extensive experience in the healthcare sector internationally across both the public and private sectors, including private equity and not-for-profits. Among many qualifications, he holds a Master of Health Science from La Trobe University (2008), a Master of Business Administration from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University (2019) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Simon has worked as a CEO in Private and Public Healthcare, Aged Care and Retirement Living and in Primary Health.

He has also specialised in growth in private equity-backed companies with a tenure as the Managing Director of iMedX Australia and New Zealand; with his most recent role as a CEO of McKenzie Aged Care Group; successfully growing and divesting the business in February 2023.

Simon has a very warm, pragmatic and open leadership style. He has had broad experience in driving outcomes and growth within complex stakeholder environments during his twenty-five years in healthcare. He has a significant breadth of health and commercial experience, which is a perfect fit for Evolution.

Matthew Clarke

Chief Financial Officer

Matthew Clarke brings extensive experience providing strategic financial leadership across a portfolio of businesses with over 20 years of experience in finance and commercial management roles across the services and resources sectors. Returning to New Zealand in 2019 after 15 years spent mostly in the UK and Australia, Matthew has previously held senior finance positions with global quality assurance provider Intertek Group, including Group Treasurer in London and most recently Regional CFO based in Sydney.

Rebecca Atkins

Group Human Resources Manager

Jeff Arthur

General Manager Property & Projects

Michael Quirke

Chief Executive, Hospitals & Day Surgeries

Dr. Christine Howard-Brown

Chief Executive Health & Wellbeing

The Health and Wellbeing Portfolio includes:
• ABI Rehabilitation
• Proactive
• Evolve
• Proactive Occupational Health
• Evolution Care Pathways.

Health quality and equity improvements have been the backbone of Christine’s career, originally training as a registered nurse and since then holding senior leadership positions in health, rehabilitation and disability within large government organisations and as a consultant. This mahi has involved leading (and sponsoring) several national strategies, action plans and service developments / designs that have focused on achieving equitable access and outcomes for people requiring rehabilitation following serious trauma (including spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)).

As current Chair of the National Rehabilitation Providers Group and Governance Group Chair of the Spinal Cord Register, her mantra of ‘the little things matter’ remains unwavered. Discovering what the little things are for kiritaki, whānau, kaimahi, you really have to genuinely connect with them through every interaction and that’s what Chris holds firm to her approach to mahi.

Prior to this, Chris led the team at ABI Rehabilitation as Chief Executive Officer for four and a half years. With a Master of Business Administration and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Medicine, coupled with her health qualifications and experience, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that supports advancing healthcare services in Aotearoa.

Chris takes a practical, collaborative and innovative approach to her role, and takes time to build relationships to strengthen outcomes.

Neetha Alex-Kumar

General Counsel & Company Secretary

Neetha is an accomplished senior business leader and lawyer with over 15 years of experience in navigating complex legal landscapes. Her expertise lies in balancing risks and opportunities to help organisations achieve their strategic goals. Neetha has a proven track record of advising companies on legal matters, especially in regulated environments, ensuring that businesses are both compliant and aligned with their broader objectives. At Evolution Healthcare, Neetha provides invaluable legal guidance and strategic counsel, ensuring continued compliance and supporting the company in achieving its long-term goals. Her extensive experience in legal leadership and her ability to articulate complex issues clearly are key assets.

Denise Primrose

General Manager

Denise Primrose was appointed Royston General Manager in August 2009. Denise held Operating Theatre management positions in the public sector prior to joining the Royston theatre team in April 2001.

She was appointed Director of Nursing in 2003, a position she held for 6 years. In her current role as General Manager, Denise is responsible for all clinical and operational aspects of Royston Hospital. She is also the Chairperson of the Royston Clinical Advisory Committee whose function is to maintain Royston’s clinical and medical standards.

Anna Harland

Theatre Services Manager

Anna Harland was appointed the Theatre services manager in March 2022. Anna has a wealth of knowledge and experience within the Operating theatre environment. She has spent the last 25 years in various Clinical Charge nurse and Senior Operational management positions in the public sector, prior to joining Royston. She has a passion for Quality improvement, and has successfully led several award winning improvement projects.

Anna is responsible for all clinical and operational aspects of the Royston Operating theatres, Sterile services, Post anaesthetic care unit and the Patients admissions. She prides herself on establishing and building strong collaborative teams.

Kerri Cooley

Ward Services Manager

Kerri is a Registered General and Obstetric Nurse- who trained and worked many years at MidCentral Health DHB.

Kerri has a wide variety of nursing experience in both clinical and leadership positions with specialty focus in surgical care. Her previous role in HBDHB was as Associate Director of Nursing-Hospital Group and prior to this Nurse Director- Surgical Services for 6 years

Kerri is a strong advocate for nursing and the promotion of excellence in delivery of care to our patients and community. She joined our team in her current role at Royston June 2022

Ann-Louise Geary

Administration and Support Services Manager

Ann-Louise Geary joined Royston Hospital in August 2003 initially as the Administration Team Leader. Her title changed in February 2010 to Support Services Team Leader to better reflect her role which encompasses administration, IT, household and property areas.

Ann-Louise is also the management representative on the Environment and Safety Committee. Prior to Royston Hospital, Ann-Louise was a Team Leader, responsible for administering Superannuation Schemes.