Stephen McKernan QSO

Transition Unit Lead

Health and Disability System Review

Stephen is EY’s Government and Public Sector Leader. He is an experienced consultant and executive who has earned a strong international reputation through operating successfully at the highest levels within the New Zealand health system. He is a former Chief Executive of Counties Manukau and Hutt Valley District Health Boards and in 2006 was appointed Director General of Health and Chief Executive of the New Zealand Ministry of Health. Stephen has particular interests in health system design and performance improvement; the successful management of change; and the development and leadership of large and complex organisations. As an EY Partner, and previously the Managing Partner of Health Partners Consulting Group, Stephen is regularly called upon both within New Zealand and internationally to provide advice to a range of clients including governments and health organisations. In 2012 he was awarded a Companion of the Queens Service Order for services to the State and healthcare. He is an Honorary Fellow of both the New Zealand Institute of Health Management and the Australasian College of Health Service Executives, he is also a Member of the New Zealand Institute of Company Directors.