Helia Group has appointed Steadfast underwriting agencies head Mark Senkevics as CEO.

He will take the role “on or before” December 1, replacing interim CEO Michael Cant, whose 12-month contract will be extended to allow an orderly transition and handover.

Helia chair Leona Murphy says Mr Senkevics brings more than 25 years’ insurance industry experience, including leadership positions across Australia, New Zealand and Asia-Pacific.

“He is well placed to lead Helia as it builds on its 60-year heritage of supporting Australians to buy, invest and upgrade their homes,” she said.

Mr Senkevics joined Steadfast in 2024 and was considered a potential candidate for the CEO role after the expected retirement of Robert Kelly later this year.

Previously, he held senior roles at Swiss Re, including head of Australia and New Zealand and head of property and casualty underwriting for the Asia-Pacific region.

“I’m excited to be joining Helia at a pivotal time for the Australian home ownership and lending landscape,” he said.

“Helia has built a strong reputation through the expertise and commitment of its people and I look forward to working with the talented Helia team, its customers and partners to build on the company's vision to be Australia’s most trusted risk partner for home lending.”

Helia says that after the transition period, Mr Cant will retire from full-time executive work and pursue non-executive opportunities.

The lenders’ mortgage insurer has also announced that Craig Ward will be appointed CFO from July 1, after serving in the role on an interim basis since July last year.