Actuaries Institute names KPMG partner as president

The Actuaries Institute has appointed KPMG partner Jefferson Gibbs as its 2021 president. Gibbs takes over from Hoa Bui, who held the post last year.

"We must continue to lead in areas of public policy where we have the insight to create real change," said Gibbs, specifically noting the post-COVID economic recovery, retirement, climate, and intergenerational equality as areas of focus for the organisation.

"We need to continue to strengthen relationships with governments, regulators, like ASIC and APRA, and we need to repeat that success with a wider-ranging set of organisations."

Gibbs has been with KPMG for more than 20 years, specialising in general insurance. He previously held actuarial roles with Willis Towers Watson (then Watson Wyatt) in New Zealand and London.

"Jefferson champions the ability of actuaries across all fields," said Actuaries Institute chief executive Elayne Grace. "The experience he brings to the role of President includes being able to look at issues from a high level but also understands the fine details.

"Jefferson is passionate about broadening the opportunities for the profession and areas where they can contribute, recognising that young actuaries have strong interests in climate change, government and data analytics, alongside traditional work ins superannuation and insurance."

Gibbs took on the post on 22 February.