Today I am pleased to announce the following appointments to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA):
- Mrs Helen Rowell as the full-time Deputy Chair of APRA for a term up to and including 30 June 2018; and
- Mr Geoff Summerhayes as a full-time member of APRA for a term from 1 January 2016 up to and including 31 December 2020.
Mrs Rowell joined APRA in 2002 and has held a number of executive roles prior to being appointed a Member in 2013. Her primary focus at APRA is the superannuation industry. She is very well regarded by the financial services industry. Prior to joining APRA, Mrs Rowell was a partner at the international consulting firm Towers Perrin. She is also a Fellow and past President of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia.
Mr Summerhayes was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of Suncorp Life Australia and New Zealand. Prior to becoming the Chief Executive of Suncorp Life, Mr Summerhayes held senior positions in National Australia Bank and MLC Limited.
APRA is the prudential regulator of the financial services industry. It oversees banks, credit unions, building societies, general insurers, life insurers, private health insurers, friendly societies, and most members of the superannuation industry.
These appointments continue the high level of skills and experience available to APRA, to help ensure that these key sectors of our economy are effectively regulated.
Mrs Rowell's appointment also continues the Government's strong record of identifying capable women for senior public sector roles.