Insurance Council finds new chief in CBA corporate affairs executive

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has found its new managing director and chief executive.

Andrew Hall, Commonwealth Bank executive general manager for corporate affairs, will commence with the ICA in early September.

Hall's experience dealing with brand and public policy were critical criteria for the ICA, says president and chair Gary Dransfield. "His corporate knowledge, and his understanding of customers, the regulatory and political elements and the financial services sector, will help him chart the ICA's advocacy program to elevate the value of insurance both to our economy and our society." In particular, Dransfield pointed to the challenges Australia's insurance industry faces with the pandemic recovery as well as regulatory changes.

Hall has been with CBA for more than seven years. He was previously the director of corporate and public affairs for Woolworths and the federal director of the National Party of Australia.

"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," said Hall.

"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."

Outgoing CEO Rob Whelan, who has held the role for more than a decade, will serve until further notice.