Medical indemnity insurer Avant Mutual has named Adrian Urquhart as CEO, effective from October 1.

Mr Urquhart, CFO at the doctor-owned organisation since September 2023, takes over from Natasha Fenech, who is leaving to pursue a career as a non-executive director.

Chair Steve Hambleton says Mr Urquhart is a natural leader who cares about the membership.

“It’s particularly pleasing to promote an internal candidate to lead Avant on the next phase of our journey,” he said.

Before joining Avant, Mr Urquhart held leadership positions at property development business TOGA Group and at AMP. Across his career, he has led a range of finance functions and teams in strategy, operations, risk management, procurement, workforce planning and product management.

Mr Urquhart says Avant’s strategy of diversifying its services while strengthening the core medical indemnity offering has delivered “exceptional results” for members.

“Our doctors face increasingly complex challenges, and I am committed to ensuring Avant continues to evolve and innovate to meet their needs,” he said.

Avant says that during Ms Fenech’s five-year term, revenue has grown to almost $700 million, and more than two-thirds of Australia’s doctors have a relationship with the mutual. 

The group has made strategic acquisitions and expanded its commitment to doctors, launching Avant Law Commercial and Avant Finance. It has also established a $50 million foundation to give back to the community.

“Natasha has transformed Avant during her tenure, building a stronger, more diversified organisation that truly serves the evolving needs of Australia’s medical professionals,” Dr Hambleton said.