Welcoming Natalie McMurtry, Chief Executive of Pharmac

In September Natalie McMurtry joined Pharmac as our new Chief Executive. We spoke with her about her background, what drew her to Pharmac, and what she hopes to achieve in her new role.

“I’m honoured to be Pharmac’s new Chief Executive and excited to be part of an organisation that plays such an important role in the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders,” says McMurtry.

McMurtry brings over 25 years of experience as a front-line clinician and senior health leader in Canada. She began her career as a paediatric critical care pharmacist before moving into strategic and operational leadership roles across Alberta’s health system - including responsibility for Alberta’s public drug program. Her governance experience includes serving on the boards of Canada’s Drug Agency and the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance.

“While every country’s health system is unique, the fundamentals remain the same - people need access to medicines to help them stay well,” she says.

“Throughout my career, I’ve focused on improving access to quality health care, including medicines, and ensuring that patients and their families are at the centre of decision-making.

“Joining Pharmac offered a unique opportunity to draw on my health leadership experience and contribute to an organisation resetting its focus to be more patient-centred and outward-looking.”

McMurtry describes her leadership style as upfront, transparent and empathetic. In her first few months, she’s been focused on listening and learning - meeting with staff, patients and their advocates, suppliers, Pharmac’s Board, the Minister of Health, and other key partners across the health system.

“I want Pharmac to be seen as an organisation that has the backs of patients and their families,” she says. “We need to be transparent and inclusive - and that means listening to people with lived experience and working in partnership with the wider health system.”

McMurtry has prioritised connecting with those most affected by Pharmac’s decisions. In October she attended the Valuing Life: New Zealand Medicines Access Summit - an early opportunity to meet with suppliers and consumers - and the monthly consumer update forum, where patient advocates engage directly with senior leaders, ask questions, and share their perspectives.

She has also been meeting with Pharmac’s Consumer and Patient Working Group and the Consumer Advisory Committee, both of which provide valuable lived experience to inform Pharmac’s work.

Looking ahead, McMurtry says she is excited about the opportunities and is focused on leading Pharmac in a collaborative and people-centred way.

“We have a talented and passionate team here,” she says. “I’m looking forward to supporting them and helping Pharmac continue to grow as a trusted and responsive organisation.”

Pharmac’s Board Chair, Paula Bennett, said of McMurtry’s appointment:

“Natalie stands out as a leader who is very experienced, empathetic, capable and determined. She has known the Pharmac model for years from afar and jumped at the opportunity to lead this wonderful organisation. She is a very considered person who respects and values our people.”