Former Lumley General Insurance CEO Vivek Bhatia will become CEO of the NSW Government’s Safety Return to Work and Support Division (SRWSD).

Finance and Services Minister Dominic Perrottet says Mr Bhatia will work with the Treasury and Finance Department on the direction and governance of government insurance functions.

“He brings… a depth of knowledge and understanding about the insurance, resources and services sectors gained both here and overseas,” Mr Perrottet said.

Mr Bhatia replaces Julie Newman, who retired on August 1, and will take over from interim CEO Steve McKenna on August 25.

SRWSD incorporates WorkCover, the Motor Accidents Authority, the Lifetime Care & Support Authority and the Dust Diseases Board.

Mr Bhatia has been McKinsey & Co regional co-leader for Asia-Pacific since June 2012.

He joined Wesfarmers Insurance in 2008 as COO then served as Lumley and then Wesfarmers’ Australian underwriting CEO from 2009-11.

His new role is on an initial one-year deal, while Treasury and Finance reviews the division’s regulatory functions.