Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has announced a major leadership appointment with Carole Tokody stepping into the role of Chief Executive Officer, bringing a wealth of global insurance and health sector experience to the company one of Australasia’s leading travel insurers.
The appointment, effective from February 2026, positions Tokody at the helm as Southern Cross Travel Insurance pursues expansion plans across Australia and New Zealand.
What does Carole Tokody bring to SCTI’s leadership team?
Tokody joins Southern Cross Travel Insurance from her role as Chief Commercial Officer with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section), where she led commercial strategy and partnerships. Her career spans senior roles across major insurance and financial services organisations in Australia, Asia Pacific, Europe, the UK and North America.
Throughout her career, Tokody has led large teams through periods of transformation and growth. Her leadership experience covers strategic initiatives, customer engagement, product and partnership development, and operations. The breadth of her background reflects a track record of driving innovation and performance in complex, highly regulated sectors.
Southern Cross Travel Insurance chair Cassandra Crowley said the board is confident Tokody’s experience will support the business as it scales and competes in key Australasian markets.
Crowley highlighted not only Tokody’s executive capabilities but also her deep industry networks and customer-centric focus as critical assets for Southern Cross Travel Insurance’s future.
“Carole is an exceptional executive with second - to - none experience, insights and deep connections, which we know will bear fruit rapidly and successfully as we face current opportunities,” Crowley said.
She noted that SCTI has undergone significant organisational change in recent years, positioning the business for growth, and that Tokody’s appointment comes at an exciting point in that journey.
Why is this appointment significant for the travel insurance market?
The travel insurance sector in Australia and New Zealand has been dynamic in recent years, with customer expectations shifting towards digital experiences, flexible cover options, and responsive service delivery.
Tokody’s appointment is significant because she brings both global perspective and local market experience. Having worked in senior roles across continents, including leadership positions with Cover - More Group and Allianz Global Assistance, she has navigated diverse market environments and competitive landscapes.
Tokody said she is excited to lead Southern Cross Travel Insurance at a time when the business is poised for growth and has a strong foundation for delivering innovative, customer - focused travel insurance solutions.
“I am so excited to take on this role,” Tokody said.
“There is remarkable energy and appetite for growth among the SCTI team and that is hugely motivating and inspiring.
“I like nothing more than taking on a challenge, having worked in this space in a trans - Tasman capacity previously, I absolutely understand the drive to take on the bigger players, and do it better, delivering care, innovation and support to our valued customers and partners out of Australia and New Zealand.”
Her emphasis on customer care and innovation aligns with broader trends in travel insurance, where differentiation increasingly rests on service quality, tailored offerings, and building meaningful partnerships across the travel ecosystem.
KARRYON UNPACKS: SCTI’s appointment of Carole Tokody reflects the travel sector’s push toward innovation and stronger leadership in the current travel climate.
