Our Executive Leadership Team

Our Executive Leadership Team

Teachers Health Group is how we represent our collective group under our Teachers Federation Health Ltd entity, comprising Teachers Health, Nurses & Midwives Health, UniHealth, TUH and Union Health along with our businesses including Health Centres, Healthcare Services, TUH Healthcare Services and Health Hub.

Simone Tregeagle

Group Chief Executive Officer

Simone Tregeagle

Simone Tregeagle was appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of Teachers Health Group in July 2026, having joined the organisation as Chief Customer Officer in 2024. With nearly 30 years’ experience in Australia’s private health insurance sector, Simone has held senior leadership roles across mutual and not-for-profit health funds, including as CEO of RT Health and Transport Health. Her experience spans strategy, customer experience, operations, brand and communications, with a strong focus on delivering better outcomes for members.

A passionate advocate for preventative health, affordability and member-first care, Simone is committed to ensuring Teachers Health Group continues to reinvest in the health and wellbeing of members and communities. She is known for her accessible leadership style, commitment to innovation and deep alignment with the organisation’s values and purpose. Simone holds an MBA and qualifications in communications, marketing, accounting and governance, and is the published co-author of two personal finance books.

Joseph Phung

Chief Officer Health Businesses

Joseph Phung

Joseph leads Teachers Health Group's Health Businesses division, overseeing Health Centres, Healthcare Services, property and facilities, procurement, operational integration, and other emerging operational functions across THG. His team delivers dental and optical services, care coordination, and health management support for members, while also leading the organisation's property strategy and operational integration activities.

Since joining THG in 2007, Joseph has held several senior leadership roles, including Deputy CEO and Chief Financial Officer, and CEO of Subsidiary Businesses. He brings more than 18 years of health insurance industry experience, with expertise in financial management, business analysis, strategy, and operational leadership.

Paul Abernethy

Chief Operating Officer

Paul Abernethy

Paul is responsible for the Digital, Claims and Membership Services teams. This integrated function reflects Teachers Health Group’s commitment to making healthcare simpler and more accessible for members, and its focus on digital and operational improvements that strengthen service quality and better support frontline teams.

Paul joined TUH in 2017 and transitioned into THG following the merger in 2025. With more than 20 years of executive experience in the insurance industry, he has a proven track record of leading complex transformations across operations, cyber security and organisational culture. He plays a key role in shaping and delivering a strategic vision for THG centred on member service delivery and digital innovation.

Tatiana Papavero

Chief Customer Officer

Tatiana Papavero

Tatiana Papavero was appointed Chief Customer Officer in July 2026, bringing together Marketing, Partnerships & Stakeholders and Growth. In this role, Tatiana leads a connected approach to brand, member experience and growth, ensuring Teachers Health Group continues to build deeper relationships with members and deliver relevance in moments that matter.

Tatiana joined THG in 2025 as Group Head of Marketing. With previous marketing leadership positions at HCF, McDonald’s and Woolworths, Tatiana has built a reputation for delivering measurable growth, leading brand transformation and developing high-performing teams. Her deep expertise in the sector and innovative eye sets us up extremely well to drive business performance and deliver outstanding value and experience for our members.

Cosimo Maiolo

Chief Actuary & Product Officer

Cosimo Maiolo

Cosimo leads Teachers Health Group’s Actuarial, Benefits Assurance, Data Analytics and Insights, Product, and emerging member health initiatives, with a focus on delivering sustainable value for members. At a time when member expectations are rapidly evolving, this function plays a critical role in ensuring THG continues to offer products and services that reflect real member needs.

Cosimo joined THG in 2021 as Senior Actuary, where he led initiatives to streamline reporting, support major regulatory change, and enhance the value and adoption of enterprise data and analytics platforms.

With almost two decades in the insurance sector, Cosimo has deep expertise in pricing and commercial strategy. He has worked with clients across global markets, building trusted partnerships and delivering sustainable outcomes through a collaborative and customer-focused approach. He is recognised for strong leadership, relationship-building, and the ability to adapt to evolving products and markets.

Richard Ferchow

Chief Information and Transformation Officer

Richard Ferchow

Richard leads Teachers Health Group’s technology and transformation strategy, with a focus on simplifying technology, strengthening cyber security and operational resilience, and enabling the organisation’s broader strategic priorities.

Richard joined Teachers Health Group in 2026 and brings extensive technology and transformation leadership experience, with a practical approach to using digital, data, cloud and emerging technologies to improve organisational capability and member outcomes. Richard is passionate about solving problems, challenging complexity, and making technology work seamlessly for people.

Bernadette Gates

Chief People Officer

Bernadette Gates

Joining us in 2021, Bernadette is responsible for every aspect of the employee lifecycle, including all areas of work, health and safety.

Bernadette oversees a team of professionals, analysts and business partners in the area of people, learning, development and culture.

With more than 25 years’ experience in Human Resources, Bernadette’s extensive knowledge has been gained in senior roles across financial services and banking, as well as the FMCG industry and international logistics, both in Australia and overseas.

Bernadette is passionate about member-based organisations and ensuring employees are well-equipped, developed and engaged to support the requirements of our members.

Penny Jones

General Counsel and Company Secretary

Penny Jones

Penny was appointed our General Counsel in 2012, following more than 30 years’ experience in general commercial law, corporate governance, and mergers and acquisitions. She was appointed Company Secretary in 2024.

Penny acts as an internal consultant, providing advice on commercial and legal issues to support effective decision-making. She was involved in the establishment of the Teachers Health Foundation, the establishment of Nurses & Midwives Health, and the merger with Teachers Union Health.

Greg McNeill

Chief Risk Officer

Greg McNeill

Greg joined us in 2017. He is responsible for overseeing the ongoing development of an effective approach to managing risk – driven through our people – that creates value for the organisation and our members, and is supported by a strong risk culture.

Prior to moving into private health insurance, Greg had an extensive career in the general insurance industry, working for several large and well respected local and multinational general insurers.