Australian Unity CEO to retire after 21 years
Australian Unity’s group managing director and chief executive has announced his plans to retire at the end of the year after two decades leading the company.
Rohan Mead, who first joined the financial services firm in 2004, informed the board of his intention to retire at the end of 2025.
As a result, Australian Unity has commenced an internal and external search process to replace Mead in the group managing director and CEO role.
“Mead will leave Australian Unity in a strong position, with a diversified portfolio of thematically linked businesses providing a range of products and services to support the health, wealth and care needs of its members and customers,” the ASX announcement stated.
During his 20-year tenure, the company’s revenue rose from $400 million to $2.3 billion, while the number of employees increased from 1,300 to 10,000 currently. Moreover, its member base expanded from over 370,000 Australians to more than 700,000 now.
“It has been a joy and privilege to serve as Australian Unity’s managing director. I am humbled by, and proud of, having worked with such capable and committed colleagues in delivering valued services for our members and customers,” Mead remarked.
“Mutuals have an important role to play in the Australian economy and society; and supporting the evolution of Australian Unity as a contemporary organisation capable of meeting the growing wellbeing needs of millions of Australians has been an honour.”
Lisa Chung, Australian Unity’s chair, thanked the outgoing CEO for his significant contributions to the company.
She noted several key achievements under his leadership, including over $1 billion in M&A activity, building a diversified portfolio of businesses, navigating the business through the GFC and COVID-19 pandemic, and reshaping access to capital and debt markets.
“Throughout Mead’s tenure, he has had a vision for Australian Unity to be recognised and respected as a leading purpose-driven organisation. He has tangibly extended the reach and influence of Australian Unity as an advocate for real wellbeing in the wider community,” the firm added.
Prior to joining Australian Unity in 2004, Mead served in a range of senior roles at Perpetual Trustees Australia Limited from 1996 to 2003.
Australian Unity's financial advice business, Personal Financial Services (PFS), was acquired by Fortnum Private Wealth in late 2023. Following the announcement, Fortnum and PFS unified under the Entireti parent company, which now owns the majority of AMP's advice businesses.
Earlier this year, Australian Unity also appointed Vijitha Yogavaran as a fund manager who assumed responsibility, management and external representation for its Healthcare Property Trust, as it restructures the product.
She brought 17 years of real estate experience to the fund, and was previously a fund manager at Centuria Healthcare where she managed a portfolio of healthcare property funds.
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Jasmine Siljic
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