NSW state insurer icare is searching for a new CEO after announcing yesterday that Richard Harding is stepping down in October.

Mr Harding, who joined icare in 2021 during a tumultuous period for the insurer, says his focus will remain on driving progress over the next six months, while ensuring a smooth transition to a new leader.

“After 17 years as a CEO across three insurers with strong community-oriented purposes, I have decided that now is the right time to use my experience in a different way,” he said in a LinkedIn post. “I’m looking forward to my next step, helping insurers and businesses deal with the ever-changing environment in which we operate, and I’ve already started this journey by joining the Ansvar Australia board recently.”

Mr Harding, who joined icare after leading Auckland-based Tower, took over the top role from interim CEO Don Ferguson. His predecessor, John Nagle, departed after a NSW parliamentary committee grilling over the financial and operational performance of the organisation.

Chairman John Robertson says icare has introduced a new claims model under Mr Harding that will improve outcomes for injured workers, and the insurer is in a “solid position” to keep improving.

“Richard’s leadership has been unwavering, with a focus on ensuring the organisation is providing the best possible outcomes for the people relying on the insurance schemes operated by icare,” he said.

“He has shown resilience during some challenging times, resetting the organisation’s focus, stabilising performance and delivering on public expectations.”