IAG has appointed George Savvides to its board. He has 30 years’ experience in the healthcare sector and oversaw two listings as a CEO – with Medibank Private in 2014 and Sigma in 1999.

Mr Savvides is also on the boards of Next Science and New Zealand-listed Ryman Healthcare, and is Deputy Chairman of broadcaster SBS.

“George has considerable knowledge of the insurance industry and experience in bringing about deep cultural changes in organisations undergoing transition,” IAG Chairman Elizabeth Bryan said.

She says the appointment will enhance IAG’s strategic priorities of customer satisfaction, business simplification and agility.

Mr Savvides was CEO at Medibank for 14 years until 2016, seeing the health insurer through its transition from a non-profit government enterprise to a publicly listed company. Its market capitalisation improved from $1 billion to $6 billion under his stewardship.

He also served 18 years on the board of World Vision Australia, including six years as chairman until last year.