Insurtech Australia has appointed Rita Yates (pictured) as new chief executive, replacing outgoing CEO Simon O’Dell who will become chairman.
Yates brings to her new role more than two decades of experience in insurance, healthcare, and Australia’s fintech and start-up ecosystems, most recently as head of insurtech and corporate partnerships at Stone & Chalk, Asia-Pacific’s largest fintech hub. She has been with Insurtech Australia since its inception in 2017, as part of the advisory committee and founding leadership team.
“We are extremely excited to have Rita step up to lead Insurtech Australia into 2020 and beyond,” O’Dell said. “She is the perfect person to champion Australia’s insurtech sector, having spent years successfully bridging the gap between the start-up ecosystem and corporate Australia. She’s been involved with Insurtech Australia from day one and has unparalleled expertise in the role of promoting growth and innovation for both fintech start-ups and corporations, as well as helping countless start-ups over the past few years at Stone & Chalk. She also has considerable domain experience, working in the insurance industry across a variety of roles.”
Insurtech Australia’s start-up membership has doubled to 46 over the past 12 months. The organisation has also received support from new corporate partners, including Willis Towers Watson and Scor.
This 2019, Insurtech Australia will be rolling out a full slate of activities, including the launch of the second Insurtech Ecosystem Report in conjunction with EY and an international delegation for a group of Australian insurance executives and Australia’s insurtech companies.
