Suncorp will appoint Brisbane-based Gillian Brown to the board, effective late February, following the retirement this month of Doug McTaggart. 

Ms Brown was a Partner at Minter Ellison for 22 years and Chairman for three years, and as a non-executive director has risk management and legal and regulatory expertise in financial services, as well as credentials in managing environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. 

“Gillian has board roles in a variety of sectors including transport and infrastructure, funds management, and debt capital markets,” Chairman Christine McLoughlin said.

“She has contributed to governance across a broad spectrum of disciplines including strategy setting, investments, risk management and compliance in complex, regulated businesses operating in Australia and offshore.”  

At Minter Ellison Ms Brown led teams on corporate finance transactions, project finance for infrastructure and resources projects, debt capital markets and M&A transactions. She has a track record of working successfully with governments and regulators, Suncorp says. 

“Gillian’s particular experience and knowledge in ESG initiatives including energy transition and de-carbonisation, climate related reporting and disclosure, social impact investing and workplace health and safety will be highly valuable to Suncorp given our continued focus on these important matters,” Ms McLoughlin said. 

Dr McTaggart joined the Suncorp board in 2012 after a career in the Queensland Public Service, including serving as Under Treasurer and CEO of Queensland Investment Corporation. 

“As Suncorp’s Audit Committee Chair, Doug played a pivotal role in helping guide Suncorp through its recovery from the global financial crisis,” Ms McLoughlin said. 

“Most recently, he has helped steer the group and our New Zealand businesses through the challenges of the global pandemic. As Chairman of New Zealand’s AA Insurance, Doug has also overseen a period of strong improvements in operational and financial performance.”