Category: People Moves

Manulife Hong Kong and Macau has appointed Mr Wilton Kee as CEO, effective 1 July 2026 and subject to regulatory approval. Mr Kee joined Manulife in 2013 and has held a number of senior leadership roles across pricing, product, health and finance in Hong Kong SAR and Macau In 2022, he was appointed CFO, and in March 2026, took on additional responsibilities as Deputy CEO. He will succeed Mr Patrick Graham. Source:https://www.asiainsurancereview.com/News/View-NewsLetter-Article/id/95614/Type/eDaily/Hong-Kong-and-Macau-Manulife-appoints-new-CEO

Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) has announced Donghyeon Kim as CEO, succeeding Ben Hudson.Kim most recently served as head of Hanwha Aerospace’s Land Systems Business Group, which is responsible for Hanwha Aerospace’s full land defence portfolio. “We are here to deliver these programs on schedule, build R&D capability and capacity in Australia, and make H-ACE a manufacturing and MRO&U (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul and Upgrade) centre that the local industry and economy benefit from,” Kim stated. “Australia is well placed to become a defence export base, not simply a customer. My role is to lay the foundation and grow the Australian leadership team that will take this company forward. That is what success looks like for HDA.” Kim has spent almost 30 years at Hanwha Aerospace, leading its R&D centre, running its production operations, and heading the Land Systems Business Group, where the division grew substantially under his watch. His experience in research, production, and business growth maps directly onto HDA’s needs. He will be responsible for overseeing program delivery to ensure the continued smooth delivery of both the Huntsman and Redback fleets to the Commonwealth of Australia. Kim will oversee the Hanwha Armoured vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in Geelong, continue to build the local supply chain, and accelerate technology transfer to Australia. Kim has worked on numerous international programs including the K9 for Poland, Romania, Norway, Finland and India. He brings established relationships across the company’s engineering, production, and supply chain functions. He will focus on building the operational foundations for HDA’s long-term growth, with a clear commitment to developing and transitioning to Australian leadership as the company’s programs mature and expand. Source: https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/hanwha-appoints-new-ceo

Privately-owned exploration company Timor Resources has started the search for a new chief executive as it prepares for the next phase of exploration work in Timor-Leste. Timor Resources operates two onshore production sharing contracts — TLOT-17-08 (Block A) and TLOT-17-09 (Block C) — in Timor-Leste with three exploration wells drilled between 2021 and 2023.The company said that it is now planning for a transition to become a project developer or producer with a two-well appraisal campaign later this year, based on its website. An independent resource audit conducted by Molyneux and Associates last June estimated total best estimate contingent resources across the two permits at 19.9 million barrels of oil equivalent and 52 billion cubic feet of gas. The appraisal drilling is “the focus of 2026 for the company”, Timor Resources said on Monday, with the incoming chief executive expected to progress the campaign. “Given the time-sensitive nature of the 2026 appraisal drilling programme, the recruitment process is underway,” Timor Resources added, with the EOI submission set at 26 May. The operator is looking for a candidate with demonstrated experience in drilling onshore wells, managing multiple operational and service contracts with a small team and an ability to deliver complex projects. Appointing a new chief executive is contingent on approval from Timor Resources’ major shareholders, which includes Australia-based industrial group Nepean and London private equity group Lake House Corporation. The company’s current chief executive and founder, Suellen Osborne, is also a managing director of Nepean. Osborne confirmed her departure to Upstream, stating she will remain as a director on the Timor Resources board. Osborne added that Timor Resources has secured a rig contract with Eastern Drilling for a US-made Loadcraft 1000 HP rig for the upcoming drilling of two appraisal wells. “Timor Resources enters [the second quarter of] 2026 with an exciting forward programme focused on appraisal drilling, extended well testing and progressing the project toward commercial development,” she said. The company last September concluded a community consultation on its upcoming drilling and extended well testing programme, according to its social media page. An EOI for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-borne aeromagnetic survey covering 200 square kilometres of Block C, to acquire high-quality magnetic data for structural and geological interpretation at depths of up to 1500 metres, concluded on 9 March. Upstream has reached out to Timor Resources and its 50:50 PSC partner Timor GAP for comment. Source: https://www.upstreamonline.com/people/roll-up-roll-up-australian-indie-seeks-new-ceo/2-1-1988209

Paine will commence as ForestrySA Chief Executive from 22 June, ending a five-year tenure at the peak body for South Australia’s forest products supply chain. Nathan Paine has been appointed Chief Executive of South Australian state-owned forester ForestrySA, ending a five-year tenure as CEO of the South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA). That is according to ForestrySA Chair Ric Sinclair, who confirmed Paine’s appointment after a comprehensive recruitment process that drew a significant field of qualified candidates. Paine takes over management of more than 10,000 hectares of sustainable pine plantation in the Mount Lofty Ranges, with the role extending to stewardship of more than 16,000 hectares of native forest across the Mount Lofty Ranges and Limestone Coast regions. The combined 26,000-hectare estate places the new CEO at the centre of South Australia’s state-owned forest portfolio as fibre demand escalates across the national wood supply chain. Paine has flagged plantation expansion as the central platform of his incoming agenda, citing forecast wood-fibre demand quadrupling across Australia over the next 25 years as the structural case for growing the state-owned estate. “There is a need and an opportunity to grow ForestrySA’s plantation estate,” Paine said. He described the role as covering both supply-side plantation expansion and community education on timber’s place in the South Australian economy, with the incoming brief stretching from the Adelaide Hills’ recreational pine forests to the Limestone Coast processing hub. The Limestone Coast anchors the state’s processing capacity, with the Adelaide Hills estate functioning as both productive plantations and recreational space for the metropolitan population. Sinclair pointed to Paine’s track record at SAFPA as the basis for the appointment, with the Board signalling that the new CEO will be expected to build on the work of interim chief Dean Anderson through the 2025-26 fire season. “We look forward to Nathan joining the organisation and bringing his extensive experience,” Sinclair said. Minister for Forest Industries Hon Clare Scriven MLC welcomed the appointment, with the South Australian Government endorsing Paine’s record at SAFPA as the basis for a sustained plantation-growth agenda across the state. “Nathan has been outstanding in his five years as CEO,” Scriven said. The Paine appointment comes amid a period of leadership renewal, with Diana Hallam resigning as CEO of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), and the Tasmanian Forest Products Association (TFPA) CEO, Nick Steel, opting not to renew his contract after six years leading Tasmania’s peak body. Deputy CEO Richard Hyett has been appointed AFPA acting chief executive under new Chair Matt Crapp of New Forests, who has succeeded Stephen Dadd at the head of the peak federal advocacy body for Australia’s $24 billion forest products industry. Paine commences at ForestrySA on 22 June, with the combined 26,000-hectare estate placing him at the head of South Australia’s state-owned forestry portfolio against the forecast 25-year quadrupling of Australian wood-fibre demand he has flagged as the structural case for plantation growth. Source: https://woodcentral.com.au/forestrysa-appoints-safpas-nathan-paine-as-its-new-ceo/

Tokio Marine Life Insurance Singapore has appointed Mr Raymond Ong as CEO. He brings extensive senior leadership experience across the insurance industry, with a strong track record in driving sustainable growth, enhancing operational discipline and delivering customer-focussed transformation. Source: https://www.asiainsurancereview.com/News/View-NewsLetter-Article/id/95314/type/eDaily/Singapore-Tokio-Marine-Life-Insurance-Singapore-appoints-new-CEO

Sedgwick has named Simon Kay as chief executive officer and Kimberley Daley as chief operating officer to lead its Australian business, the global loss adjuster announced on Wednesday. Kay returned to Sedgwick’s Australian team in November 2025 as chief operating officer, having been acting COO for Australia in 2023. In between those two stints, Kay worked as director of executive services, UK & international, and supported Sedgwick’s operations in the Asian market. He brings more than 30 years of experience in the loss adjusting industry to his new leadership role. Speaking on his appointment, Paul White, Sedgwick CEO of international, said Kay is a “dynamic and action‑oriented leader” with a “deep understanding of our business and a passion for driving growth and operational excellence.” Meanwhile, Daley has been with Sedgwick for 14 years. She most recently served as executive general manager of professional services, a role she had held since 2021. Prior to that, she was head of forensic accounting services. Daley brings a “rare combination of operational insight and financial acumen to the business,” according to White, adding that her long‑standing experience with Sedgwick and understanding of complex claims and client needs will be “instrumental as we continue to grow and evolve the business.” Following the latest appointments, Phil van Zyl, who had served as interim CEO for Sedgwick’s Australian business for the past five months, will return to lead Sedgwick’s New Zealand business. Source: https://reinasia.com/sedgwick-appoints-new-ceo-and-coo-in-australia/

Tokio Marine Life Insurance Singapore (TMLS) has announced the appointment of Raymond Ong as its new Chief Executive Officer. Raymond Ong brings with him extensive experience across the insurance sector, having held several senior leadership roles throughout his career. He is recognized for his ability to deliver sustainable growth, strengthen operational discipline, and lead customer-focused transformation initiatives. Prior to joining TMLS, Ong served as CEO of a composite insurer in Singapore, where he successfully guided the organization through a period of strong growth, it says in a statement. His leadership emphasized product innovation, digital transformation, and the development of customer-centric solutions. Earlier in his career, he held the position of Chief Financial Officer at one of Malaysia’s largest life insurers, as well as Group Chief Risk Officer for a leading insurance group operating across Singapore and Southeast Asia. The company stated that Ong’s deep industry expertise and regional perspective make him well-suited to lead TMLS into its next phase of development. His appointment aligns with the firm’s strategic focus on enhancing customer experience, strengthening operational excellence, and delivering solutions tailored to the evolving needs of customers and partners. «I am honoured to join Tokio Marine Life Insurance Singapore,» Ong said in a statement. «I look forward to working with the team to build on the company’s strong foundations, empowering our people to inspire confidence and accelerate progress for our customers, our people, and the communities we serve.» The leadership transition comes as TMLS continues to position itself for long-term growth in an increasingly competitive and digitally evolving insurance landscape. Source: https://www.finews.asia/finance/44858-tokio-marine-life-insurance-singapore-raymond-ong-ceo

Palliative Care Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Chris Hatherly as the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer. Dr Hatherly is a highly respected not‑for‑profit leader with 20 years’ experience across research, policy, health and ageing; most recently as CEO of The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. He brings deep expertise in national advocacy, evidence‑informed policy development, and coalition‑building across government, academia, industry and consumer groups. His early career included roles with Alzheimer’s Australia (now Dementia Australia), where he oversaw research, policy and consumer‑engagement initiatives. Dr Hatherly said he was honoured to take up the role and deeply motivated by PCA’s mission. “High-quality, compassionate and accessible palliative care benefits everyone in our society,” he said. “I’m energised by the opportunity to work with PCA’s Board, staff, members and partners, and to meet and hear from palliative care consumers and carers. I look forward to championing PCA’s vision and contributing to better outcomes for people living with life‑limiting illness, their families and communities.” His appointment comes at a critical time for palliative care in Australia, with growing demand and significant reform across the health and aged care sectors. Dr Hatherly’s expertise will support PCA’s ongoing advocacy and strengthen its national leadership in improving access to high-quality palliative care. PCA Chair, Dr Peter Allcroft, welcomed the appointment, saying, “I am delighted with the appointment of Chris and expect him to provide a steady and innovative influence on the organisation and the broader sector. His experience working at the interface of research, policy, service delivery and the community will be an invaluable asset to PCA’s critical mission.” Dr Hatherly will commence with PCA on 8 July 2026. Simon Waring will continue as Interim CEO during this transition. Source: https://newshub.medianet.com.au/2026/04/palliative-care-australia-announces-appointment-of-new-ceo/149636/

Japan Post Insurance Co., Ltd. on Friday announced that it would appoint Onishi Toru as its new representative executive officer, president, and chief executive following a board decision ahead of its June 2026 shareholders’ meeting. The move will see current CEO Tanigaki Kunio step down from the role, with the change aimed at strengthening the insurer’s management structure. The appointment will be formally approved during the June shareholders’ general meeting and confirmed at a subsequent board meeting. Toru, born on 17 June 1966, currently serves as the company’s director and deputy president. He has held senior roles across corporate planning, legal affairs, and human resources since joining the group’s predecessor ministry in 1990. He also serves as a managing executive officer at Japan Post Holdings, reflecting his broader leadership role within the group. The reshuffle comes as the insurer accelerates strategic initiatives, including capital management and partnership expansion across its domestic and international operations. Last month, Japan Post Insurance announced the expansion of its reinsurance and investment activities, including asset-intensive reinsurance deals and a US$625m expansion of an agreement with Talcott Life Re following an initial ¥550bn AIR deal announced in March 2025. The insurer had also entered into an agreement with Aflac Re Bermuda Ltd to reinsure a block of the former’s whole life annuities through coinsurance, effective 31 March 2026, the first external reinsurance transaction for the reinsurer. Japan Post has also pursued broader diversification through distribution partnerships and portfolio shifts, including a minority investment in Hoken Minaoshi Hompo and plans to rebalance its bond holdings ahead of expected rate hikes. Source: https://reinasia.com/japan-post-insurance-to-appoint-onishi-toru-as-new-ceo-in-management-reshuffle/

Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has appointed Richard Allen as its next Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Miles Hurrell. According to Chair Peter McBride, Allen is an exceptional leader with a deep knowledge of Fonterra’s global operations and markets. His most recent role was President Global Ingredients, where he was responsible for Fonterra’s Ingredients sales, optimisation, risk management, trading and global manufacturing. “The Board is really pleased to announce Richard as Fonterra’s next CEO, who will lead the Co-op into the next phase of its strategic implementation,” McBride said. “He joined Fonterra as a graduate in 2008 and since then his career has spanned our global supply chain. He led our farmer facing business Farm Source for five years, has worked in China as Vice President of our Foodservice business, was the founding CEO of MyMilk, and more recently served as President Atlantic based in Chicago, responsible for relationships with a number of our global key accounts.” Allen said he is incredibly humbled to be appointed CEO and feels great pride to be leading the Co-op. “I’ve built my career with Fonterra and understand the important role the Co-op plays both for farmers here in New Zealand and our customers around the world. “I’m committed to maintaining the momentum in our performance, focused delivery of strategy and financial discipline that has been developed over recent years. “Fonterra has a strong platform to build from and I’m excited by our prospects as we move forward as a New Zealand farmer owned global B2B dairy provider,” Allen said. Allen will commence his role as CEO on 1 May 2026. Hurrell will stay with Fonterra in an advisory role until September 2026 to assist with the leadership transition. “Miles has worked well with the Board to develop leadership talent and plan succession, which has allowed us to run an efficient appointment process for Fonterra’s next CEO,” McBride said. Source: https://www.foodprocessing.com.au/content/business-solutions/news/fonterra-names-richard-allen-as-new-ceo-404452923