The Board of the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) made three new appointments at its Board Meeting held in Sydney last week.
- Mr Nicholas Hawkins, Managing Director and CEO, IAG
- Mr Scott Hawkins, Managing Director, Munich Holdings of Australasia Pty Ltd
- Peter Kelaher, Country President, Chubb Insurance Australia Ltd
The new appointees have extensive experience at the most senior levels in the general insurance sector and will bring invaluable insights and guidance as the ICA pursues its strategy.
The appointments reflect the commitment from the leaders of Australia’s general insurance sector to ensuring the industry is well-placed to respond to and drive the many strategic challenges and opportunities.
These include the changing regulatory landscape, economic recovery from Covid, consumer protections and support, ongoing prudential responsibilities, and the design and delivery of the Federal Government’s reinsurance scheme announced this week.
Quote attributable to Sue Houghton, President, ICA:
The Board is pleased Nick, Scott and Peter have all agreed to join as Directors.
There is no shortage of issues confronting the general insurance sector, and their many years of combined experience will add immeasurably to the already considerable knowledge and understanding around the ICA board table.
Existing ICA Directors:
- Sue Houghton, General Manager Insurance, Westpac (President)
- Tim Plant, CEO General Insurance Australia & New Zealand, Zurich Financial Services Australia (Deputy President)
- Frank Costigan, Interim Managing Director, QBE Australia
- Richard Enthoven, CEO, Hollard Australia Group
- Richard Feledy, Managing Director, Allianz Australia
- Natasha Fenech, Group CEO and Managing Director, Avant Mutual
- Tracy Green, Group Executive Insurance, RACQ
- Lisa Harrison, Chief Executive Officer Insurance Product and Portfolio, Suncorp
- Christopher Mackinnon, General Representative in Australia, Lloyd’s Australia Ltd
- Andrew Hall, Executive Director and CEO, Insurance Council of Australia
Nicholas Hawkins, Managing Director and CEO, IAG
Nick Hawkins, who joined IAG in 2001, was appointed IAG’s Managing Director and CEO in November 2020 after holding the role of Deputy CEO where he was accountable for the management and performance of IAG’s day-to-day operations.
Prior to this, Nick spent 12 years as IAG’s Chief Financial Officer, responsible for the financial affairs of the company. He was appointed into the CFO role after spending more than two years as CEO of IAG New Zealand.
Prior to joining IAG, Nick was a partner at international firm KPMG specialising in financial services.
He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand, is a graduate of the Harvard Advanced Management Program and has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia.
Scott Hawkins, Managing Director, Munich Holdings of Australasia Pty Ltd
Scott Hawkins was appointed to his current role in April 2021.
Scott has more than 25 years’ experience in the insurance and reinsurance industry. In his current role, he is responsible for the non-life reinsurance operations, setting the strategic direction, maintaining the culture and values, and helping MunichRe’s customers stay ahead of emerging risks in a complex world.
Scott has previously held several roles within MunichRe including responsibility for underwriting, client management, claims and data analytics functions. Prior to joining MunichRe, Scott worked in both direct insurance and reinsurance companies in underwriting, capital modelling and risk management roles.
Scott holds a Bachelor of Business degree, a Master of Business (Finance) degree, and is a Fellow of ANZIIF.
Peter Kelaher, Country President, Chubb Insurance Australia Ltd
Peter Kelaher has more than 15 years’ experience in the insurance industry and 13 years with Chubb.
In his current role, Peter has executive operating responsibility for Chubb’s general insurance business, including commercial property & casualty, traditional and specialty personal lines and accident and health insurance. He oversees all facets of the business including strategy, product, and business development, underwriting and service operations, and profit & loss performance.
Peter was previously Head of Property & Casualty, Australia & New Zealand at Chubb and prior to the integration of Ace & Chubb, held the position of Assistant Vice President & Product Manager D&O, EPL & Crime.
Peter holds a Bachelor of Business/Laws and a Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate Governance.
