Dr. Lachlan Henderson, the CEO of HBF, draws on his background as a general practitioner and medical executive to lead the 83-year-old insurer with a focus on prioritizing people, whether they are patients, members, or colleagues. After obtaining a Master of Health Service Management, Henderson moved into private hospitals in managerial roles before leading Epworth Healthcare in Melbourne. During his time in Melbourne, the border closures due to the pandemic kept him separated from his family in Perth, making the opportunity to return home to run HBF all the more appealing. Henderson was intrigued by the company’s expansion into dental and physiotherapy and its move onto the eastern seaboard, which presented a pivotal time in its history.
Henderson’s workdays at HBF are vastly different from his previous roles in general practice, which were structured around 10-minute slots for patient consultations. In his role as CEO, he is acutely aware of the challenges facing the insurer’s 1.1 million members, particularly in the face of rising healthcare costs and premium hikes. HBF aims to provide good value for its members while investing in digital technology to enhance customer interactions and cybersecurity measures. The Medibank scandal of 2022 served as a wake-up call for the industry, prompting a shift towards prioritizing digital technology and ensuring data security.
Despite his background in healthcare, Henderson admits to slipping up when his meal arrives with a generous serving of fried chips, jokingly panicking about the unhealthy choice. His role running HBF is a team sport in his view, and he attributes his achievements to the people he surrounds himself with. Apart from his work at HBF, Henderson has a strong passion for sports, having played cricket and chaired Cricket Australia until 2023. His involvement in sports has shaped his leadership style, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, strategic planning, and collaboration with government entities. Henderson stresses that maintaining a balance between work and family life is essential, highlighting the importance of staying organized and embracing opportunities that come his way.
In addition to his career in healthcare and sports, Henderson is an active member of a men’s book club and participates in charity events like HBF’s Run for a Reason. Looking ahead, he envisions HBF expanding further east and developing a new strategy focused on the future of healthcare in 2030, with an emphasis on technology. Reflecting on his journey, Henderson advises his younger self to seize opportunities, work hard, and not take oneself too seriously, emphasizing the value of taking risks and embracing change. As he navigates the challenges and opportunities in his role at HBF, Henderson remains committed to putting people first and driving the insurer towards continued growth and innovation in the evolving healthcare landscape.
