Following the substantial management overhaul that saw 12 positions made redundant and the Melbourne and Perth offices closed, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has just announced six new senior appointments.

The ICA senior team is now GM Policy – Regulations Directorate, Carolyn Conner; Government Relations Manager, Allan Hansell; GM Corporate Services, Brian Francis; GM Policy – Economics and Taxation Directorate, Alex Sanchez; GM Policy – Risk and Disaster Directorate, Karl Sullivan; and GM Communications, Paul Giles.

At the time of the management shake-up in July, CEO Kerrie Kelly said the changes would allow a greater strategic focus as ICA engages more closely in the public policy arena.

The GM Policy – Consumer Directorate is being filled on a part-time basis by former IAG General Counsel Karen Den-Toll. Selection for this position on a permanent basis is under way.

Ms Conner joined ICA in 2004 as Executive Manager of Policy Development and Research and had responsibility for management of the policy team and the development of industry positions on regulatory and policy issues.

Mr Hansell, the former ACT and NSW Regional Manager, joined ICA in 2001. He was previously a senior adviser to the NSW and Victorian Governments.

Mr Sanchez was previously Senior Policy Adviser (Economics) in the Office of the Federal Opposition Leader, where he was responsible for tax and family payment, childcare benefit and childcare and trade practice reform policies.

Mr Francis, who continues to serve as company secretary, is one of only three managers whose service precedes Ms Kelly’s. The others are Mr Hansell and Ms Conner.

Before joining ICA Mr Sullivan was responsible for global disaster planning, response and mitigation for Qantas. He will be responsible for the facilitation of industry policy and initiatives regarding emerging risks, as well as co-ordinating the industry’s response and partnership with governments following a disaster.

Mr Giles was formerly Senior Adviser to the Federal Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs and before that was with the Federal Minister for Family and Community Services.