nib has announced the appointment of Peter Harmer as an Independent Non-Executive Director of the nib Board.

Peter has over 40 years’ experience in the Australian and international insurance and financial sectors, including over 30 years in a senior executive capacity.

He was formerly Chief Executive Officer of Insurance Australia Group (IAG), CGU Insurance, Aon Limited UK, Aon Risk Services Australia Pacific and Aon Re Australia.

Peter was also Chairman of Aon Re Australia and the London Market Reform Group and is currently a Non-Executive Director of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

nib Chairman, Steve Crane said Peter’s appointment will ensure the Board continues to reflect the right mix of skills and experience to build further on nib’s success.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Peter to our Board. He brings enormous experience as both a company director and executive. He also has an impressive track record in leading organisations through digital transformations, a big priority in the company today,” Steve said.

Peter will serve on the nib Board as an additional Director from today and will stand for election at the 2021 Annual General Meeting in November.

nib has also announced the retirement of nib’s Non-Executive Director and Chairman, Steve Crane, who stepped down from the Board on 29 July 2021.

Steve joined the nib Board as Director in 2010 and has been serving as Chairman since 2011.

He said that after more than a decade of growth and progress on many fronts, he felt the time was right to retire from the nib Board.

“I joined the Board not long after nib demutualised and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and have enjoyed immensely the nib journey. I’ve been privileged to lead a high-quality Board of Directors which has overseen incredible progress across the company and I’ve no doubt there’s so much more to come,” Steve said.

“I’d like to thank my fellow nib Directors, executive management team, employees, nib members and shareholders for their contribution to nib and especially their wonderful support for me over the course of more than ten years.

“I wish them and the company every future success and hold the view that the best is still ahead for the company, especially as it pivots towards more active health management support for members, their doctors and other healthcare providers.”

Steve will be succeeded in his role as nib Chairman by current Independent Non-Executive Director, David Gordon.

David joined the Board as a Director in 2020. He has over 20 years’ experience as a director of both public and private companies and has extensive experience in the corporate advisory and financial services sector.

He is currently Chair of Accent Group Limited and Founding Principal of Lexicon Partners. He was previously a Director and Chair of Ten Network Holdings and held senior roles at Herbert Smith Freehills and boutique investment bank, Wentworth Associates.

David said that he is honoured and excited to assume the role and would like to thank Steve for his extraordinary contribution to the company for over ten years.

“Steve has been instrumental in nib’s growth over the last decade and more recently has shown great leadership and capability in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring our member, shareholder, employee and business’ needs continue to be met.”

“I would like to thank Steve for his dedication to nib during his tenure on the Board and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. While he’s retiring here, I can’t imagine Steve slowing down any time soon. He’s simply got too much to offer,” David concluded.

IMAGE | The new nib Chairman, David Gordon.