Healix International boosts leadership with trio of senior appointments
Healix has announced three new senior appointments as part of its continued investment in operational excellence, government engagement and people development across the organisation.
The new hires reflect Healix’s ongoing focus on building leadership capability to support clients operating in increasingly complex healthcare, travel and risk environments.
Stuart Smerdon, based in South Africa, joins Healix as Director of Global Shared Services, where he will lead the development of scalable support functions, drive operational efficiency across the business, and oversee the Cape Town office.
Originally from Exeter, he brings more than 20 years’ experience across claims, operations and finance within the international assistance and insurance sectors. Stuart began his career in claims before progressing into senior operational leadership roles.
More recently, Stuart has held senior finance and operations roles, overseeing large-scale assistance programmes — including COVID-19 testing services across airports, cruise lines, universities and global brands.
Mark Hegarty has been appointed Director of Government Healthcare, bringing over 20 years’ experience across healthcare, international assistance and travel risk management.
He has held a range of senior clinical and operational leadership roles within global assistance and travel risk organisations, including Head of Nursing positions for international programmes such as the TRICARE Overseas Program. His experience also spans medical services leadership at AXA Partners, alongside roles in repatriation and global medical assistance.
Mark began his career in the NHS, where he held several frontline clinical roles across acute and emergency care settings. At Healix, he will lead government-focused activity, supporting the delivery of high-quality medical and assistance services.
Lucia Montans joins as Director of Global Learning and Development, where she will play a key role in advancing Healix’s people-first strategy and Academy programmes.
An organisational psychologist specialising in human development, Lucia began her career as a training consultant in Spain before moving to the UK, where she has gained experience across sectors including retail, technology, e-commerce, travel, financial services and assistance services.
She has progressed through roles spanning instructional design, facilitation and leadership, most recently serving as Head of Learning & Development. At Healix, she will lead the global L&D function to align with strategic priorities, drive operational excellence, and foster a culture of continuous learning.
Commenting on the latest round of senior appointments, James Henderson, CEO of Healix International said:
“Investing in our people and leadership capability is central to our long-term growth strategy. Stuart, Mark and Lucia each bring deep expertise and a strong track record in their respective fields, and their appointments will strengthen our operational, clinical and people capabilities globally.
These appointments represent the latest in a series of senior hires as we continue to invest in global infrastructure, leadership and talent, ensuring the business remains well positioned to meet evolving client needs in an increasingly complex risk landscape.”
