The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has named who is taking over from outgoing chief executive Rob Whelan, who will continue to serve until further notice.
Joining in September, Andrew Hall is making the switch from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) to assume the role of CEO and executive director at the ICA.
“General insurance plays a vital role in the Australian economy and will be crucial as we recover from the dual hits of the pandemic and bushfire crisis,” stated Whelan’s successor, who is “delighted” to come onboard soon.
“Insurance will also need to continue tackling the challenges of climate change and important regulatory changes, while also transitioning to the new Code of Practice, which must meet and exceed community expectations.”
A Woolworths Group alumnus and a former federal director of the National Party of Australia, Hall has spent the past seven years as CBA’s executive general manager for corporate affairs.
In ICA president and chairman Gary Dransfield’s view, the incoming chief’s corporate affairs and public policy experience would be critical in driving not only the representative body but also the general insurance industry through a host of regulatory, consumer, and economic issues, as well as the challenges of the country’s recovery from the COVID-19 outbreak.
Lifting the lid on the choice, Dransfield noted: “Andrew’s appointment follows an extensive national recruitment process, and the board is pleased he has agreed to join the organisation. His wealth of experience is a natural fit for this role.
“His corporate knowledge, and his understanding of customers, the regulatory and political environments, and the financial services sector will help him chart the ICA’s advocacy programme to elevate the value of insurance both to our economy and our society.”
Meanwhile the chair expressed ICA’s gratitude for Whelan’s time at the council.
“On behalf of the ICA board,” he said, “I thank Rob for his contribution to the industry and the ICA for the past decade. We are grateful he is able to continue in his role for several months until Andrew is able to start at the organisation.”
