Medical Assurance Society (MAS) has named Dunedin general practitioner Dr Doug Hill as its next chair. Hill assumed the role on Dec. 1 after seven years on the board, including three years as deputy chair. Economist Brendan O’Donovan will become deputy chair, while current chair Brett Sutton will retire at the end of December after 10 years as a director.
Hill is a specialist general practitioner and owner of Broadway Medical Centre in Dunedin. He is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand. His spouse, brothers, and late father have all held senior clinical or academic roles. Reflecting on his appointment, Hill said: “It is a real privilege to be stepping into the role of chair. I’m looking forward to continuing to deliver strongly on our strategy, and I greatly appreciate the support of Brendan and the wider MAS team.”
O’Donovan has been involved in MAS governance since 2012 and chairs the investment committee. His background includes roles in financial services, economics, and advisory work, and he will work alongside Hill as MAS adjusts its operating and investment strategy.
Sutton, who has served three years as chair, will step down on Dec. 31. MAS said he will work with Hill and O’Donovan over the coming weeks to manage the transition. The board also plans to recruit an additional director with relevant experience to further strengthen governance.
Hill acknowledged Sutton’s tenure. “I want to thank Brett for his service, steady leadership, and the support he continues to show throughout this transition. On behalf of our members, the MAS board, and the executive team, I would like to acknowledge Brett’s contribution to MAS during his time on the board. We wish him all the very best for the future.”
The change in chair follows the appointment of Jo McCauley as chief executive officer, effective Aug. 4. McCauley succeeds interim CEO Suzanne Wolton. McCauley was previously CEO of Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI). She has a background in general insurance and consumer finance, having led marketing, sales, and product teams in the UK and New Zealand. Her recent work at SCTI included leading a technology transformation programme to support future growth.
The leadership changes come at the same time as a record financial result. In its FY25 annual report, MAS recorded a profit of $56 million for the year ended March 31, 2025. Sutton described this as “the strongest profitability result in our 104-year history” and said the outcome had strengthened capital reserves and financial resilience.
The general insurance business reported insurance revenue of $164.6 million, an increase of 17.4% on the prior year, and a profit of $35.2 million. MAS received 14,929 general insurance claims during the period, closing 14,366, with 3,767 claims open at year-end.
After entering commercial business risks broking in FY24, MAS expanded its offering in FY25 to include additional business insurance products, such as cyber insurance and commercial building insurance. The mutual also introduced a team of in-house motor assessors in response to member feedback, aiming to tighten claims handling and provide more direct support on vehicle claims.
The life and disability portfolio recorded revenue of $56.8 million, $6.1 million higher than the previous year. MAS paid $22.6 million in life and disability claims during the period. MAS also extended its screening reimbursement initiative, adding bowel screening for eligible members alongside existing mammogram reimbursements. The programme targets members who do not yet qualify for public screening based on age criteria and has also been extended to MAS staff.
