Leadership team

Jo Pennell - General Manager of BUSINESS STRATEGY & INNOVATION

Hi, I am Jo Pennell, General Manager of Business Strategy and Innovation.

I joined the Leadership team at Life Care in March 2019 as Administration Manager and in December 2019 took on the role of GM – Operations. Working with the team at Life Care is a real privilege and I am very thankful to Janet for providing me with an opportunity to take the business to the next level with the introduction of new IT systems and processes.  We are ready to take on this new decade.

My background is in education management and in particular systems and processes leading to simplification of the business and alignment with business strategy. I am passionate about people management:  mentoring, coaching and developing team members gives me job and personal satisfaction, as well as helping Life Care grow.

In my personal time I love to spend time with my family.  I have two small grandsons with another on the way. They are a constant source of wonder to me as their small selves grow and develop.  Seeing the world through their eyes reminds me of how much we all take for granted every day, and a small child cuddled on your lap is the best feeling in the world.

Kevin Ludwig - Company Accountant

Hi, I’m Kevin Ludwig, the Company Accountant for Life Care Consultants.

I manage the administration function of the business and ensure that the Leadership’s drive and passion are supported by robust systems, and amazing people.  I can be found most days at our Head Office in Hamilton.

I’m a newbie at Life Care, only joining in June 2017, but as soon as I joined the team I was impressed with the attitude and enthusiasm of the people here.  We truly believe in the company culture and

Our core value “Attitude is Everything – Positive, Fun, Passionate” makes all our working days a real pleasure.  The fact that we can do this while providing amazing service to our clients makes Life Care a real privilege to be a part of.

In my youth I was a sports nut, playing cricket and rugby league to a reasonable standard. Unfortunately time has marched on and these days my involvement in sport is limited to interested spectator status.  For the good of my soul as much as my body I do drag myself to the gym fairly regularly, which allows me to indulge in my other passions – food, wine, and beer!

Cushla Howie - National Operations Manager

Kia ora I’m Cushla Howie the National Operations Manager. 

I have often been described as a catalyst to create change, results driven with energy that is contagious and engaging. However to create true improvement within an organization I know that this does not come from one person, but from the valuing of individuals and enabling the growth of capability of all within the team. 

It is important for me to work in an organization that has a positive impact, one that contributes to a greater good and can make life better for others.  Joining the Life Care team enables me to meet my ideals through working in a company that delivers empowerment for Kiwis to save lives and improve their health and wellbeing. 

With experience in multi-site management, implementation of process improvement and working with the multiple perspectives that workplace diversity brings, I am skilled in creating cohesive, resilient and productive teams with a focus on customer delivery.  We know the importance of a work- life balance, however work enjoyment and the occasional touch of humor, is key to creating daily happiness.

With family as my priority, I manage my time to be available for them, from the time spent at the dinner table, to an overseas family ski adventure or just walking the dog with my kids, I am my most content when I am with them.      

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