Sedgwick, a global provider of technology-enabled risk, benefits, and integrated business solutions, has appointed Kate Johnstone as its new head of risk in Australia.
Johnstone has over 25 years of experience in top insurance firms. Before joining Sedgwick, she was the insurance chief risk officer at RACQ, where she was responsible for the company's insurance risk and compliance management operations – including managing, identifying, evaluating, reporting, and overseeing risk and compliance matters internally and externally. She also led the strategic uplift of the company's insurance risk and compliance program, resulting in the “risk as a habit” initiative across the company's insurance business.
“Kate is a highly regarded risk and compliance expert, and her extensive experience at the top levels of Australia's most prominent insurance companies will be invaluable in delivering on our risk strategy,” said Sedgwick Australia CEO Diego Ascani. “She has a proven track record of business transformation while ensuring companies remain resilient, as well as exceptional knowledge of how to innovate within highly regulated spaces.”
In her new role at Sedgwick, Johnstone will lead the development and maintenance of the business's governance, risk, and compliance management frameworks for Australia. She will also work closely with local management teams to develop and support a world-class risk and compliance culture.
Johnstone will support the company's clients and employees in understanding and assuming accountability for risk and compliance-related matters while overseeing comprehensive compliance with the legislation and guidelines of the Australian Financial Services License (AFSL), Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC), and other related Australian regulators.
“It is an exciting time to join Sedgwick amid the tremendous growth of the business in Australia,” Johnstone said. “I look forward to working with our team and external stakeholders to help them navigate today's fast-moving, complex regulatory and risk environment.”
Johnstone joined Sedgwick after the company announced roster changes for liability claims and appointed its new head of capability advancement.