Youi COO Bert Bakker and Mark Milliner have joined the Youi board. 

Mr Milliner, who joins as non-Executive Director, formerly headed IAG’s Australia Division until late 2020.  He also spent 11 years at Suncorp, leading the personal lines business after overseeing the group’s commercial insurance. 

Former Youi Chair Campbell Corfe, a Youi director since 2007, will retire at the end of the year.

“We’re thrilled to welcome both Mark and Bert onto the Youi Board and I look forward to seeing the significant contribution their collective experience will bring,” Youi Chair David Foster said.

“Each will have a substantial and positive impact on Youi’s path towards future growth and success as well as guiding Youi through the challenging operating environment that insurers are facing.”

Sydney-based Mr Milliner left IAG when it split its Australian business into direct and intermediated divisions.

He had moved from Suncorp to IAG in 2016 as COO and was appointed to lead the newly created Australia division the following year. He was considered a top contender for CEO alongside current chief Nick Hawkins, who had been CFO. In March, Mr Milliner was appointed to the advisory board of crash repairs supplier Auto Parts Group.

Mr Bakker started at Youi’s South Africa-based parent company Outsurance Group in 2002, and at Youi in 2015. He was formerly Chief Risk Officer before taking on the COO position in July.

Youi CEO Nathaniel Simpson took over the top job from Hugo Schreuder in July. Earlier this year, Brisbane-based Steve Nichols was appointed CIO and Russell Redsell Chief of Corporate Affairs and Governance.