IAG Chairman Elizabeth Bryan has announced the appointment of Nick Hawkins as IAG Managing Director and CEO, effective 2 November 2020. Hawkins succeeds Peter Harmer, whose retirement was announced in April this year. Harmer will leave the company on 1 November 2020 after five years as IAG CEO.
Bryan said Hawkins’ appointment “reflects the strength of IAG’s leadership team” and will ensure continuity and stability for the company.
“Nick has a deep understanding of both global and domestic general insurance along with operational and financial experience, and this will ensure a smooth transition for IAG,” said Bryan.
Hawkins said it is “an honour and a privilege” to be appointed Managing Director and CEO of IAG.
“I am excited to lead IAG during its next phase of growth and ensure the company emerges from the economic downturn as a strong, resilient organisation,” he said. “Insurance plays a fundamental role in our society and I’m proud to work for, and lead, a company that is truly purpose-led and customer-focused.
“Our purpose – to make your world a safer place – has never been more important than now as we continue to help our customers and communities recover from the devastating natural disasters of late 2019 and 2020, and the ongoing challenges resulting from climate change and the pandemic.
“I look forward to working with our people and our partners to continue to grow IAG and build on our work to meet the evolving needs of our customers and their communities.”
Bryan said the board thanked Harmer for his five years at the helm of IAG.
“Peter has been pivotal in creating the innovative and customer-focused company that IAG is today. Under Peter’s leadership, IAG has sharpened its focus on delivering better outcomes for customers and their communities while performing well financially.
“It is very pleasing that our new CEO shares Peter’s passion for IAG to be a truly purpose-led business,” said Bryan.
Nick Hawkins joined IAG in 2001 and was appointed to the newly created role of Deputy CEO in April this year, with accountability for the management and performance of IAG’s day-to-day operations.
Prior to this appointment, Hawkins spent 12 years as IAG’s Chief Financial Officer with responsibility for the overall financial risk profile of the group. He was appointed CFO after spending more than two years as CEO of IAG New Zealand.
Prior to joining IAG, Hawkins was a partner at international firm KPMG, specialising in financial services. He was at KPMG for 10 years, working in the firm’s Perth, London, and Sydney offices.
Hawkins is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand, is a graduate of the Harvard Advanced Management Program and has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia.