The appointment was made after "an extensive recruitment process" which had drawn "a large number of high-calibre applicants", Southern PHO chairman Dr Conway Powell said.
Mr Macara has been working since March as transition manager for the Southern PHO.
His new role will see him managing community health services across Otago and Southland, under contract to the Southern District Health Board.
"Ian has had an extensive career in the health sector over many years, with strong leadership and managerial experience in both secondary and primary health care," Dr Powell said.
"In particular, he knows primary and community health services very well from his senior managerial roles with the four Southland PHOs since 2004, including his previous position as CEO of Invercargill-based PHO Management Services Southland Ltd.
"The board of trustees welcomes Ian as CEO and looks forward to the major role that he will have in leading the Southern PHO and working with primary health care practitioners to provide outstanding primary and community health services to the 280,000 people of Southland and Otago."
Mr Macara takes up his new role immediately.
