Southern Response appoints new Chief Executive

Southern Response, the government-owned company settling Canterbury earthquake insurance claims, has confirmed today that it has appointed Peter Jensen as Chief Executive for the final stages of its claim settlement programme.

Mr Jensen comes to Southern Response following six years as Chief Executive of Spanbild Holdings Ltd, a large Christchurch-based construction company with multiple business units operating across Australasia.

Having lived in Christchurch for most of his life, Mr Jensen has worked at the heart of the rebuild, which has included chairing a local company that developed innovative housing solutions to help speed up residential rebuilds - the first of its kind in New Zealand. He is also a director of Odyssey House, a local residential and day programme for people in the community with drug and alcohol addictions.

Southern Response Board Chair Ross Butler said Mr Jensen had a strong mix of commercial expertise and community commitment.

“Peter Jensen has extensive business experience managing complex projects, leading large teams and delivering excellent customer service in complex environments. The Board was also impressed with his significant personal commitment to the Canterbury community.

“Peter has a strong vision for the final stages of Southern Response, as we work to settle our remaining customers’ claims. We are positive that his skills, experience, pragmatic approach and passion for Christchurch and Canterbury will serve our customers and the organisation well.”

Mr Jensen said he was looking forward to leading the Southern Response team through an important stage.

“Southern Response is playing a significant role in our city’s recovery. This is my home town and I have lived and worked here most of my life, including over this post earthquake period. I believe I’ll be able to bring my skills, experience and understanding to this role and really make a difference. ”

Mr Jensen will start with Southern Response at the beginning of July to allow for a smooth transition with outgoing Chief Executive Peter Rose who resigned earlier this year.

Mr Butler said Mr Rose had the Board’s highest regard: “I want to express again how proud the Southern Response Board is of Peter’s contributions, and our gratitude for his willingness to stay on longer than intended. His contribution to the Canterbury rebuild has been commendable and we wish him well. ”

Our team are dedicated to assisting you with your claim. If you have any questions regarding your claim, please do not hesitate to contact your Claims Specialist or Project Manager.

Since its inception in 2012, Southern Response has settled over 72 percent of its over cap claims and 96 percent of its out of scope claims.