Australia's insurance council reveals new president

IAG managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) Nick Hawkins (pictured) is to replace QBE Australia Pacific CEO Sue Houghton as president of the  Insurance Council of Australia (ICA).

Houghton will complete her term as president at the end of the year and remain on the board. While Hawkins will commence as president on January 1, 2022.

Hawkins became IAG’s managing director and CEO in November 2020. He previously held the role of deputy CEO, accountable for the management and performance of IAG’s day-to-day operations. Before joining IAG, he was a partner with KPMG.

Meanwhile, Hollard Holdings managing director Richard Enthoven will continue as deputy president of ICA.

Houghton said: "Over the past two years insurers and the ICA have had to grapple with many significant issues, including the implementation of the Hayne Royal Commission reforms, the local impacts of a hardening global insurance market, and the business interruption test case process, just to name a few. I’m proud of the way in which the industry, both individually and collectively through the ICA, has responded to these challenges, which has always been constructive and collaborative.

"I have very much enjoyed my term as President of the ICA Board and know that in Nick I am handing the role on to very experienced hands."

Hawkins commented: "Insurers have a unique role to play in this country to help reduce the risks many communities and businesses face from extreme weather and natural disasters, and this will be a key focus of the ICA Board as we head into 2022.

"Sue has done an outstanding job as President and we’re grateful for her leadership. I look forward to stepping into this important role in the new year."

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