The AMA Group has undergone major changes to its board and management as it reshapes its leadership to tackle the next phase in the major repair collision player’s direction.
Friday 1 September 2023, Anthony Day has retired as Chair and Non-Executive Director of AMA Group, and Paul Ruiz has retired as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee and Non-Executive Director.
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Carl Bizon will retire as at the Group’s 2023 Annual General Meeting on 23 November 2023.
The group announced a trading halt on Thursday August 31 pending the announcement but said it was unrelated to the ongoing work for proposed equity capital raising.
In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange the company said the transformation of the board were in line with its succession planning.
“This transition follows an incredibly challenging few years for both the collision repair industry and the Group,” the statement read.
“Over this period, the Group has undertaken huge transformation, which has driven a significant improvement in governance and the professionalisation of the Group.
“AMA Group has endured the significant impacts of COVID-19 and led the industry in achieving price increases with insurer customers to address the significant impact of inflation and damage severity over recent years. Today, the operations of the business are poised for the next phase. The timing is right for new leadership to realise the potential of the Group and capitalise on these strong foundations.”
Independent Non-Executive Director, Caroline Waldron, has stepped into the role of Chair of the Board of AMA Group.
Waldron is a lawyer by training with extensive commercial and governance experience gained from listed and blue-chip entities in Australia and New Zealand. She has been a member of the AMA Group board since 1 March 2022.
Current AMA Group Independent Non-Executive Director, Talbot Babineau has been appointed Deputy Chair.
Simon Moore has become Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.
Kyle Loades is continuing in his role as Chair of the People Committee.
The Board will now review its composition and skills before commencing Non-Executive Director recruitment, to ensure a fit-for-purpose Board.
Outgoing Chairman Anthony Day paid tribute in the statement to the work that had been achieved at the AMA Group.
“Over the last 18 months, Caroline’s wealth of knowledge, professionalism and insight have proven to be exceptionally valuable. She has gained the respect of both the Board and Management team. I am pleased to hand over the reins to Caroline, as her leadership, legal and board experience will take the Group into the future.
“Paul has been an outstanding member of the Board. His skill and governance focus has been invaluable to the Board and broader finance team. Paul leaves the Board for personal reasons. We support his decision and thank him for his contributions to the Board.
“Carl agreed to take on the role of CEO under challenging circumstances, and his stoicism and continued dedication through what has been an incredibly difficult two and a half years has been nothing short of exemplary and I thank him for all he’s done for the business.”
New Chair, Caroline Waldron also paid tribute to the work of the outgoing chair and CEO.
“Anthony’s extensive knowledge of the insurance sector and his dedication to governance have laid the foundations for the Group’s success. It is a privilege to succeed Anthony, and I express my gratitude for his calm leadership of the Board and Group. Anthony will be focusing his energies on his other business interests, and we wish him all the best in these endeavours.
“I also thank Carl for his tenacious prosecution of the interests of the Group and our team, and Paul for his professionalism and dedication. The Group’s progress under extraordinary circumstances is a testament to the leadership and resourcefulness of these three people.”