MEDIA RELEASE
10 October 2023
GMHBA appoints Michael Sammells to Board of Directors
GMHBA Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Michael Sammells to its Board of Directors. Mr Sammells has over 35 years of professional experience, with significant involvement in senior executive financial and commercial roles.
As a former Chief Financial Officer at both Medibank Private and Healthscope he developed an extensive understanding of the private health insurance industry and private hospital operations. He also brings a valuable perspective to the Board having held operational roles with expertise in finance, accounting, treasury, investor relations, capital developments, mergers and acquisitions and IPOs.
Mr Sammells is a non-executive director of AMP, Chair of Sigma Healthcare and has served on numerous private boards.
GMHBA Chair, Claire Higgins, said the Board is very pleased to have Mr Sammells join the Board, where his insights and expertise will be greatly valued.
“As GMHBA continues to put member outcomes in the centre of our work, we are very pleased to have Michael join our board. He has a deep understanding of the private health insurance sector and the hospital and health sector. This, together with his style and the breadth of his experience is sure to be an asset,” she said.
Mr Sammells said he was looking forward to joining GMHBA as the organisation works to improve access to quality health care through our new apps and new extra products and continue to attract more members to the business.
“I’m very pleased to be joining a purposeful, member-focused organisation with a strong Board and look forward to making a positive contribution to GMHBA and the communities in which it operates,” he said.
Mr Sammells will begin his term as a Director on the GMHBA Board on 16 October 2023.
The appointment follows the retirement of board member Brian Benger at our Annual Meeting of Fund Members last month, who came to the end of his tenure having joined in 2011.
Brian was a valued and respected board member, bringing his significant experience in financial services to the Board, and providing oversight of the growth and management of the fund’s investment portfolio. Notably, Brian also played an instrumental role representing GMHBA as co-investor with Quintessential Equity in the 60 Moorabool Street redevelopment as a director on the joint development Company.
About us:
About us:
GMHBA is an Australian not for profit health insurance and care company. We have served the community since 1934, and with almost 90 years’ experience, we have become Australia’s leading regionally based private health insurer. Through our personalised approach and exceptional customer service, we put the health and wellbeing of our members and communities first. Our approach is guided by our philosophy, Healthier Together and decisions are made with our members first and foremost in mind.
Contact details:
For all GMHBA media enquiries please contact Head of Corporate Communications Meg Rayner on 0458 418 823 or megrayner@gmhba.com.au
