The Insurance Council of Australia Limited (ICA) Board today appointed Mr Gary Dransfield, Chief Executive Officer Insurance, Suncorp, as President of the Insurance Council and Chairman of the Board.
The two-year appointment, effective on January 1, 2020, was made during a Board meeting held in Sydney. Mr Dransfield was previously Deputy President, and replaces Mr Richard Enthoven. Ms Sue Houghton, General Manager, Insurance, BT Financial Group, was appointed Deputy President.
ICA CEO Rob Whelan thanked Mr Enthoven for his service to the insurance industry and the ICA Board.
“Richard Enthoven has been a highly effective and engaged leader of the Board for the past two years,” Mr Whelan said.
“He has helped steer the industry through many challenges, including the Financial Services Royal Commission, and he also achieved his three key objectives as President: Implement a new industry Code of Practice; initiate a climate change action plan; and increase Board diversity. His contributions will continue as a Director.
“The ICA is delighted Gary Dransfield has agreed to take on the role of President. He is a highly regarded industry leader with strong insights into the industry and consumers. We are also pleased Sue Houghton has been appointed Deputy President after almost two years on the Board.”
Mr Dransfield said: “It is a great honour to be elected President of the Insurance Council and Chairman of the Board during this critical time for our industry. We must, as an industry, embrace the Government’s reform agenda and focus on delivering good customer outcomes, including implementing our new General Insurance Code of Practice.”
The ICA Board also appointed a new director, Ms Natasha Fenech, CEO Medical Indemnity and Deputy Group CEO of Avant Mutual, and accepted the resignation from the Board of Ms Georgette Nicholas, Chief Executive Officer, Genworth Australia.
Mr Whelan said: “Natasha’s appointment adds further sector diversity to the Board. Her current role, combined with senior experience in the insurance and broader financial services sector, provides strong consumer-centric expertise.
“On behalf of the Board I also thank Georgette for her contribution during 18 months of service, and wish her well for her return to the United States.”
The ICA Board also ratified the membership application of Nib Travel Pty Ltd. The ICA now has 57 member companies.
