Gary Dransfield, the Chief Executive Officer of primary insurer Suncorp, has been appointed president of the Insurance Council of Australia and chairman of the board.
The decision to appoint Dransfield to the role was made during a board meeting held in Sydney. He succeeds Richard Enthoven in the position.
ICA CEO Rob Whelan thanked 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,” Whelan said.
Dransfield previously served as ICA deputy president, a role due to be taken up by Sue Houghton, General Manager, Insurance, BT Financial Group.
“The ICA is delighted Gary Dransfield has agreed to take on the role of President,” added Whelan. “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.”
Commenting on his appointment, 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 has also appointed a new director, Natasha Fenech, CEO Medical Indemnity and Deputy Group CEO of Avant Mutual, and accepted the resignation from the board of Georgette Nicholas, Chief Executive Officer, Genworth Australia.
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.”
