Who is the new CEO of Helia Group Limited (ASX:HLI)?

Mark Senkevics has been appointed as Helia’s new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, with his tenure starting on or before 1 December 2026. He brings over 25 years of insurance industry experience across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia-Pacific markets.

Who is taking over as the permanent CFO at Helia Group (ASX:HLI)?

Craig Ward has been permanently appointed to the position of Chief Financial Officer, effective 1 July 2026. This promotion follows his tenure serving in the interim CFO role since 1 July 2025. The move provides leadership continuity for Helia's financial operations alongside the incoming CEO.

Why are these executive changes important for Helia Group (ASX:HLI) investors?

The appointments conclude a comprehensive global executive search, resolving the leadership uncertainty that comes with having interim executives in both top positions. Securing permanent replacements brings structural stability to Helia as it navigates a shifting Australian homeownership and lending landscape.

What is the transition plan for Helia Group's (ASX:HLI) outgoing Interim CEO?

Michael Cant’s existing contract will be extended beyond its initial 12-month term to ensure an orderly transition and handover to Mark Senkevics. After the handover is complete, Mr Cant will retire from full-time executive work.

How does this leadership news affect Helia Group's (ASX:HLI) corporate strategy?

The strategic focus remains unchanged, with the permanent appointments aimed at reinforcing Helia's 60-year heritage in the Australian housing market. Incoming CEO Mark Senkevics stated his immediate focus is to collaborate with the team, customers, and partners to cement the company's vision as Australia’s most trusted risk partner for home lending.

What are the main bull points for Helia Group (ASX:HLI) stock after this announcement?

The main bull point is the elimination of executive vacancy risk by securing a CEO with 25 years of regional insurance leadership experience. Furthermore, promoting Craig Ward internally to permanent CFO maintains institutional continuity and stability for the balance sheet.

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Helia Group appoints new CEO and CFO

Written by Brie CarterPublished Jun 10, 2026, 1:59 AM

ASX-listed housing risk specialist Helia Group (ASX:HLI) announced the appointments of its next CEO and CFO, concluding a comprehensive global executive search.

Mark Senkevics will assume the roles of CEO and Managing Director on or before Dec. 1.

Bringing over 25 years of insurance industry experience across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia-Pacific markets, Senkevics joins Helia at what he described as a pivotal time for the domestic homeownership and lending landscape.

He succeeds interim CEO Michael Cant, whose contract will be extended to facilitate a seamless transitional handover, after which Cant plans to retire from full-time executive duties to pursue non-executive opportunities.

Helia Chair Leona Murphy expressed strong confidence in the appointment while praising Cant’s dedication and invaluable impact since July 2025, alongside his prior service as CFO.

Helia confirmed that Craig Ward has been permanently appointed to the position of Chief Financial Officer, effective July 1, following his tenure serving in the interim CFO role since July 1, 2025.

The structural leadership updates reinforce Helia’s 60-year heritage in the Australian market.

Reflecting on his new appointment, Senkevics stated that he looks forward to collaborating with the Helia team, customers, and corporate partners to further cement the company's long-term vision to remain Australia’s most trusted risk partner for home lending.

Helia Group appoints new CEO and CFO

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