The Australian Institute of Company Directors has announced experienced director Naomi Edwards FAICD as its new Chair effective 1 July 2024.
Ms Edwards previously served on the AICD's Board from 2018 to 2022 and will succeed current Chair John Atkin FAICD following a planned Chair succession process that has been underway since last year and noted at our 2023 Annual General Meeting.
Ms Edwards is a professional non-executive director with more than 15 years' experience serving on boards. An experienced Chair she has served on ASX listed companies, superannuation funds, government boards, not-for-profit and membership organisations. Naomi was the 2023 President of the Actuaries Institute of Australia.
Naomi is currently a NED on TAL, Australia's largest life insurer, where she chairs the Risk Committee. She is a former Chair of Accurium, Spirit Super and Australian Ethical Investments. She is also a non-executive director of ASX listed Propel Funeral Partners and Yarra Funds Management.
An actuary by training, Naomi is a former Partner of Deloitte where she ran the Australian Financial Services industry group. She has a strong reputation for the many mergers and acquisitions she has spearheaded.
Ms Edwards said she was honoured to be elected by the AICD Board as Chair.
"As a former director of the AICD, I have seen firsthand the impact of AICD's world-leading governance programs and policy leadership agenda," she said.
"Directors are confronted with a raft of complex and pressing issues and the Institute plays a critical role in ensuring directors and boards are well positioned to manage both current and future challenges."
"John Atkin has admirably led the Institute since November 2018 and I take on the role of Chair at a time of strength. AICD Managing Director & CEO Mark Rigotti and his executive team, have the organisation in an incredibly strong position and I look forward to working with the Board to steer the Institute through its next phase of growth."
Mr Atkin congratulated Ms Edwards on her appointment and wished her well in the role.
"Having worked with Naomi previously on the AICD Board I am confident she will bring a strong energy and passion as Chair of the AICD," said Mr Atkin.
"It has been a privilege to serve as Chair and work with the Board and management team over the last five years. I am proud of the way we responded to the challenges of the COVID period, and I look forward with confidence to the Institute continuing to deliver on its purpose of strengthening society through world-class governance."
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