HBF, Australia's fifth largest private health insurer and Western Australia's biggest health fund, today announces that its current Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, John Van Der Wielen, is stepping down after five years in the role.
With HBF now positioned as a truly national not-for-profit health insurer, Mr Van Der Wielen has decided to leave HBF to become a Non-Executive Director.
Mr Van Der Wielen commenced with HBF in 2017, and during that time has worked with the Board, management and staff to revamp the fund's investment strategy to ensure ultra-competitive premiums and high value for its members, expand into allied health services such as dental and physiotherapy, and grow its presence outside of WA to make HBF a leading national brand.
HBF Chief Transformation Officer Simon Walsh will commence as Interim CEO while an executive search process is undertaken for the role.
HBF Chair Diane Smith-Gander said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank John for his valuable contribution to HBF over the past five years and wish him well. Under John's leadership and with the support of the executive leadership team, HBF has truly established itself as a credible, national health insurance provider whose focus on its members is unrivalled.”
Mr Van Der Wielen said: “I am immensely proud of what our management team and people have achieved at HBF in the past five years. HBF is a unique and progressive not-for-profit organisation. I have been privileged to have been able to lead its national expansion and several exciting new acquisitions. I am also proud that the HBF quokka has now become a well-known brand.”
Mr Walsh will be well supported by HBF's executive team, the Board, and Mr Van Der Wielen, who will remain with HBF for several months to ensure an orderly transition of responsibilities.
HBF Media Contact: Adrian Watson, 0419 040 807 / adrian.watson@hbf.com.au
About HBF
HBF was founded more than 80 years ago in Perth and has provided private health insurance to generations of Western Australians. HBF has expanded to be Australia's second largest member-based not-for-profit health fund, providing hospital and ancillary insurance to approximately 1.2 million members nationwide. HBF is also becoming a more active participant in health services through the acquisition of physiotherapy business Life Ready, expansion of HBF Dental, and its ongoing Pharmacy 777 alliance in WA. HBF is committed to actively connecting with and supporting the communities in which it operates as a trusted member-based organisation. Visit hbf.com.au