Leadership Team
The research leadership team ensures we deliver our vision, engages the research community, and evaluates research projects.

Dr Kevin Ross
Chief Executive Officer
Kevin manages the partnership including our strategic direction and connections.
Kevin is also the Director of Research at Orion Health.

Professor Michael Witbrock
Science Director
Michael helps ensure PDH’s activities are driving innovative discoveries through sound scientific principles.
Michael is also a Professor of Computer Science a the University of Auckland.

Dr Juliet Rumball-Smith
Clinical Director
Juliet provides guidance on PDH’s activities from a clinical perspective, including knowledge of health systems in NZ and around the world.
Juliet is also Clinical Chief Advisor for Primary Health Care at the Ministry of Health.

Chad Paraone
Māori Health Director
Chad ensures that PDH’s research includes Māori health perspectives and is accessible to the Māori health sector. Chad (Kai Tahu, Te Aupōuri) holds other health sector roles, including strategic Māori advisor to ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) and Deputy Commissioner for Waikato DHB.

Simon Clark
Commercial Director
Simon ensures that PDH’s research is targeting commercial outcomes.
Simon is also Executive Vice President of Operations for Orion Health.

Dr Kelly Atkinson
Programme Manager
Kelly manages PDH’s research programme and operations.

Fleur Armstrong
Commercial Research Analyst
Fleur helps connect PDH with commercial organisations interested in the power of data science in health.
Fleur is on leave until approximately April 2022.