Frances Benge appointed Chief Executive of Cure Kids

MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday 11 November 2015

Frances Benge appointed Chief Executive of Cure Kids

Frances Benge is returning to New Zealand from Hong Kong to take up the role of CEO at Cure Kids on 1 December 2015.

Having enjoyed a long and successful career with Pfizer, and as a former nurse, Frances relishes the opportunity to embrace Cure Kids’ vision to achieve a healthy childhood for all New Zealanders.

Most recently Frances has been the regional cluster lead for Pfizer South East Asia, having joined the organisation in a sales role in 1999. Prior to this international role Frances was Country Manager for Pfizer New Zealand for 5 years. Her career in the pharmaceutical industry spans 26 years with leading roles in sales, marketing and brand management within Pfizer, Roche and Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals.

Known for its sector marketing leadership in the form of songs featuring celebrities (‘Feel inside’; ‘Team, Ball, Player, Thing’)and long lasting campaigns such as Red Nose Day, Cure Kids enjoys a high profile as a loved charity brand. Frances has been awarded for innovation in marketing for the creative evolution of prescription brands beyond patent life such as Lipitor (atorvastatin). Frances looks forward to adding her expertise into the mix of successful campaigns and activations.

“I am passionate about the health and well-being of the communities I serve, and it’s a real honour to be given stewardship of one of the most loved brands in New Zealand. I’m looking forward to interacting with sponsors and donors and leading the talented team at Cure Kids to deliver on our vision.”

Cure Kids chairman Roy Austin said the board was delighted to have attracted Frances to the role. “We welcome Frances’ passionate leadership, her vision for future growth of investment in research in child health and her experience in leading successful commercial organisations,” he said.

Frances Benge has received the Trevor Eagles Memorial Award for AMCHAM Member of the Year and has been a finalist in the Women on Boards Awards. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Business and completed the Macquarie Graduate School of Management, Strategic Leadership Program.

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