Several of Australia’s insurance and reinsurance organisations have confirmed leadership changes in June 2026, with new faces taking on senior roles at Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation (ARPC), Arch Insurance Australia, and Guardian Insurance Brokers, while ARPC’s governing board also underwent a round of renewals.
The Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation has turned to an internal candidate to fill its chief underwriting officer position, naming Cameron Hick to the role after a market search process. Rather than an immediate handover, the organisation has structured a transitional arrangement in which Hick operates as chief underwriting officer designate alongside the incumbent, Michael Pennell PSM, who is set to begin leave on Sept. 14, 2026, and retire on Nov. 27, 2026.
Hick’s path to the role came through nearly three decades working across different segments of the global reinsurance market, including underwriting, client management, broking, and portfolio strategy. Before joining ARPC in July 2024 as head of technical underwriting, he held positions at Munich Re in both Australia and Germany, PartnerRe in Switzerland, and worked in reinsurance broking at Willis Re, Gallagher Re, and Aon. Within ARPC, his work has centred on technical underwriting across the terrorism and cyclone pools.
ARPC chief executive Officer Dr. Christopher Wallace pointed to the combination of market-wide knowledge and institutional familiarity as central to the decision. “Cameron brings deep technical expertise and a strong understanding of ARPC’s remit and the broader insurance landscape. His experience within the organisation and across the market positions him well to lead our underwriting function into its next phase,” Wallace said.
Hick, for his part, framed his priorities around strengthening existing operations and maintaining relationships with insurers participating in the pools. “I’m proud to step into this role at an important time for ARPC. My focus will be on further strengthening our capability, working closely with insurers, and ensuring the terrorism and cyclone pools remain efficient and effective,” he said.
Wallace also used the announcement to mark Pennell’s contribution to the corporation over his tenure. “Mike has made a significant and lasting contribution to ARPC, strengthening our underwriting capability and our relationships across the market. On behalf of the organisation, I thank him for his longstanding contribution and leadership,” Wallace said.
The ARPC board has been reconstituted following a series of decisions by the Hon. Dr. Daniel Mulino MP, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services. The changes, announced June 17, 2026, include both reappointments and the addition of one new member.
Chair Julie-Anne Schafer retains her position as part-time chair and member through to July 2030. Three part-time members – Eilis Hurley, Fran Raymond, and Greg Nucifora – were also extended until July 2030, while Evelyn Horton and Kent Griffin continue in their roles until July 2028. Part-time observer Guy Thorburn was similarly reappointed through July 2028.
Joining the board for the first time is Robert McLean, appointed as a part-time member until July 2028. McLean currently holds the position of general manager of business and advisory services and innovation and delivery, and serves as deputy insurance commissioner for both the National Injury Insurance Agency Queensland and the Motor Accident Insurance Commission Queensland. He carries more than 20 years of experience across insurance and financial management.
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Schafer acknowledged the personnel changes, including the exit of Rod Whithear from the board. “I welcome the reappointment of my fellow board members and the appointment of Robert McLean. Their combined experience across insurance, financial services, government, and risk management will further strengthen the board’s capability and support ARPC’s purpose in providing public reinsurance to improve the accessibility and affordability of insurance for the Australian community for terrorism and cyclone risks,” she said.
“I also thank outgoing board member Rod Whithear for his dedicated service to ARPC. Rod has made a significant contribution to the board, bringing deep public sector and insurance expertise, and we wish him well in his future roles,” Schafer added.
ARPC operates the terrorism and cyclone reinsurance pools under the Terrorism and Cyclone Insurance Act 2003, with the board holding responsibility for governance and strategic direction.
Arch Insurance Australia has brought in Fariha Neda to manage underwriting across its northern region executive assurance portfolio, covering New South Wales, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory. The appointment took effect June 17, 2026, with Neda based in Sydney and reporting to Louise Lumley, head of executive assurance.
The portfolio under her oversight spans directors and officers, management liability, and financial institutions lines. Neda’s background includes time as managing director at FN Insurance Advisory, senior underwriting roles at CFC and CGU Insurance, and broking experience at Arthur J. Gallagher and Aon Risk Services.
Lumley pointed to Neda’s relationships with regional brokers and her technical grounding in financial lines as factors behind the hire. “She brings wide-ranging financial lines experience and strong regional broker relationships to the role. Her broad knowledge across management liability and D&O will be invaluable in supporting our brokers and clients through tailored solutions and enhanced service across the Northern Region,” Lumley said.
Guardian Insurance Brokers has filled a chief operating officer vacancy, with Fiona Wood stepping into the position in June 2026. Wood’s career in the insurance industry spans more than 30 years and has taken her through broking, underwriting, operations, and compliance functions.
Her most recent position was compliance services manager at Steadfast Goldseal, where her work covered broker compliance frameworks and operational standards. Her broader background includes regulatory compliance, business planning, risk management, and relationship management.
Wood said the business’s existing standing in the market was part of what drew her to the role. “I’m excited to join Guardian Insurance Brokers at a time of growth and opportunity. The business has a strong reputation built on relationships and trust, and I look forward to working with the team to support its continued evolution,” she said.
