Today I announce the appointment of Ms Helen Rowell as a Member of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, for a term of five years from 1 July 2013.
Ms Rowell is currently the Executive General Manager, Supervisory Support Division at APRA. She has extensive knowledge of and experience in the financial services industry, particularly in the superannuation industry. Ms Rowell joined APRA in 2002 and has been employed in a number of senior roles. Before joining APRA, she was a partner at Towers Perrin (now Towers Watson) and is a former President of the Actuaries Institute of Australia.
Ms Rowell's appointment continues the Government's strong record of identifying capable women for Government board appointments.
It is my intention that Ms Rowell will replace Mr Ross Jones, the current Deputy Chair of APRA, in his capacity as Member.
Mr Jones has been instrumental in the design and implementation of the biggest reforms to the superannuation system since the introduction of the superannuation guarantee.
During Mr Jones' stewardship, prudential standards have been introduced for the superannuation sector, bringing superannuation regulation up to the standards applied to the Australian banking and insurance sectors.
Mr Jones played an important role in ensuring the efficiency and stability of the financial system through the global financial crisis.
Mr Jones has indicated that he does not wish to seek reappointment and I thank him for his decade of service.
The Government congratulates Ms Rowell.
CANBERRA
28 June 2013