Suncorp CEO and MD Steve Johnston will chair the Insurance Council of Australia board from January 1.

He will take over from IAG CEO and MD Nick Hawkins, who has served for the past two years.

Mr Hawkins’ title is president, but ICA says the board has renamed its head in line with contemporary practice.

Mr Johnston, who joined ICA as a director in August 2021, has outlined his goals for the peak body, saying: “I am confident that, alongside my fellow board members, ICA CEO Andrew Hall and the ICA team, we can continue to build strong partnerships with governments, communities and regulators to address the protection gap and ensure the strength and sustainability of our sector for the benefit of our customers and the community.”

The Suncorp boss also thanked Mr Hawkins for his “leadership, dedication and hard work” over the past two years.

Mr Hawkins says that, in his time as president, the insurance industry and its customers have faced many challenges, including Australia’s costliest floods.

“The industry has worked hard to adapt and improve, to ensure our customers [and] communities across Australia remain resilient and have the support they need,” he said.

“I am certain that the board is in capable hands with Steve leading the way in 2025, and I congratulate him on the appointment as chair.”