The Code Governance Committee Association has appointed Ms Heather Loewenthal BSc Psych (Hons) LLB FAICD FACI as the next Independent Chair of the General Insurance Code Governance Committee (GICGC) following a joint nomination by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) and the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA).
As Chair, Ms Loewenthal will oversee the Committee’s independent monitoring of insurers’ compliance with the General Insurance Code of Practice.
AFCA Chief Ombudsman and Chief Executive Officer David Locke welcomed the appointment.
“Heather brings a wealth of experience in financial services, governance and compliance, both in Australia and overseas. She has worked with regulators, government and industry through major reforms, and understands what it takes to build systems that work in practice,” Mr Locke said.
“The Committee plays an important role in helping make sure the Code works as intended. Heather's experience will help support high standards across the industry and fair outcomes for consumers.”
Ms Loewenthal developed her legal, risk, and compliance career at Corrs Chambers Westgarth before moving to Westpac, where she also chaired the Australian Compliance Institute.
She then joined ING Australia as Chief Risk Officer and General Counsel, subsequently transitioning into international leadership as Global Chief Compliance Officer for ING Group where she oversaw compliance operations across more than 50 countries. She has also held senior leadership roles with Barclays Africa and Deutsche Bank London.
Upon returning to Australia, Ms Loewenthal joined Deloitte as a partner in the Governance, Regulation and Conduct Solutions team, and rejoined the board of the Australian Compliance Institute as a director and then Chair. At Deloitte she advised Australian organisations on strengthening compliance systems and leveraging technology to optimise operational performance.
Ms Loewenthal is a Non-Executive Director of Autism Association of Australia Limited and an external, independent Compliance Committee Member for DFA Australia, relating to its Wholesale Trusts.
Mr Locke also thanked outgoing Chair Veronique Ingram PSM GAICD for her service and guidance over the past six years.
“Veronique has made an outstanding contribution during her six years as Chair. Her leadership, insight and dedication have played an important role in strengthening the Committee’s independent oversight of the Code and supporting better outcomes for consumers,” Mr Locke said.
“On behalf of the Committee, I thank Veronique for her service and the lasting impact she has had on accountability and good industry practice across the sector.”
Ms Loewenthal will commence a three-year term as Chair from 1 July 2026.
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About AFCA – The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) is a non-government ombudsman service providing free, fair and independent help with financial disputes. AFCA is a one-stop-shop for consumers and small businesses who have a dispute with their financial firm, over things such as banking, credit, insurance, advice, investments or superannuation. Where an agreement cannot be reached between parties, AFCA can issue decisions that are binding on financial firms.
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