APRA confirms tweaks to leadership team

The Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA) has revealed shifts in its executive leadership, with the regulator announcing an incoming new chief financial officer and a general counsel. 

According to the regulator, Sharon Burns is confirmed as its next chief financial officer, with her role expected to commence sometime in late April. 

She replaces Michael Goddard, who commenced his role as CFO in 2009. 

Since 2017, Ms Burns has been the CFO of the insurance and care servicer, and NSW government trusted risk adviser, icare.

From 2013 to 2016, she was the head of projects, finance at MLC Insurance. 

In addition to Ms Burns’ appointment, the regulator also confirmed three reshuffles to its executive leadership, including Lucinda McCann as its general counsel, effective from 15 April. 

Ms McCann, who has been the deputy general counsel since 2020, replaces the retiring Warren Scott. 

Mr Scott was appointed general counsel in 2009. 

Further, executive director, cross-industry insights and data Sean Carmody, has been appointed executive director, insurance, responsible for the “day-to-day supervision of regulated entities within the general, life and private health insurance industries”.

He takes over the role from Brandon Khoo, who in turn will be entering Mr Carmody’s current role, overseeing a number of the regulator’s “specialist supervisory teams” while driving its “ongoing investment in its data and analytical capabilities”. 

Both Mr Carmody and Mr Khoo are expected to begin their new roles on 4 April. 

They will both report to deputy chair Helen Rowell. 

APRA chair Wayne Byres commented that the appointments were “reflective of the strong leadership team APRA is fortunate to have”.

“I would also like to acknowledge and thank Warren Scott for his very significant contribution to APRA over more than a decade,” Mr Byres added.

[Related: ‘Plenty of scope’ to ease regulatory burden: APRA chair]