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ICA names BT’s Sue Houghton interim president

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) says BT Financial Group GM Insurance Sue Houghton will serve as interim President until a board meeting at the end of the month.

Ms Houghton, who is currently Deputy President, fills a vacancy created due to Gary Dransfield stepping down from the top role after management changes at Suncorp that will see him leaving the company at the end of next week.

Mr Dransfield has been ICA President since January 1, taking up the position for an expected two-year term amid the summer catastrophes and the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Gary has provided staunch and dedicated board leadership during the most challenging times that the industry has experienced in a decade,” ICA CEO Rob Whelan said.

The Suncorp reorganisation has also led to change at the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ), with current President Paul Smeaton returning to Australia to become the company’s COO – Insurance from July 20.

ICNZ Deputy President Craig Olsen, IAG’s New Zealand CEO, will take over from Mr Smeaton.

“I look forward to continuing to work with ICNZ and our members to advance the vital role that the general insurance sector has in protecting New Zealanders in their everyday lives and businesses,” Mr Olsen said.