APRA appoints former NAB exec to leadership role

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced the appointment of Renee Roberts as the new executive director of its policy and advice division, effective 4 May.

Ms Roberts has previously held several leadership roles across the banking and insurance industries, which included a stint as group executive, enterprise services and transformation at NAB, and as chief risk officer of the Bank of New Zealand.

Most recently Ms Roberts served as chief operating officer of QBE Insurance.

APRA chair Wayne Byres welcomed Ms Roberts to the new role, adding that the new appointee is well placed to head up the regulator’s policy division.

“I am pleased to welcome Renee to APRA. Her background across a diverse range of roles in Australia and overseas, as well as her experience in risk management, strategy and governance, [makes] her well qualified to lead the policy and advice division, as well as contribute to APRA’s functions and activities more broadly,” he said.  

Ms Roberts replaces Heidi Richards, who has served in role since September 2019.

“I’d also like to acknowledge and thank Heidi Richards for her significant contribution as acting executive director during one of the busiest and most demanding periods APRA has experienced in many years,” Mr Byres said.

[Related: Baird to exit NAB, interim replacement announced]