nib Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

nib has 6 executives leading key functions including insurance operations, health strategy, risk management, and human resources.

Focused on delivering comprehensive medical coverage across Australia and New Zealand, nib prioritizes member wellness through innovative health insurance products and strategic service expansion.

Leadership Roles at nib

  • Chief Executive Officer, Australian Private Health Insurance - James Barr
  • Chief Executive Officer Nib Thrive - Martin Adlington
  • Chief Executive Officer, Nib Health Strategy & Services - Rhod McKensey
  • Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director - Edward Close
  • Group Chief People Officer - Lauren Daniels
  • Group Head of Risk - Andrew Shankland
  • James Barr - Chief Executive Officer, Australian Private Health Insurance

    James Barr, the Chief Executive Officer, Australian Private Health Insurance at nib, directs all domestic insurance operations across the Australian market. Barr manages the core health fund portfolio, ensuring product competitiveness and regulatory compliance within the national insurance landscape. By overseeing underwriting standards and member acquisition strategies, the Chief Executive Officer, Australian Private Health Insurance maintains the financial health of the primary insurance division. James Barr collaborates with the broader executive team to align insurance offerings with evolving consumer medical needs. This leadership role involves optimizing claims processing efficiency and enhancing the overall member experience through digital transformation. Through rigorous market analysis, Barr identifies growth opportunities within the private health sector. The Chief Executive Officer, Australian Private Health Insurance drives sustainable revenue streams while upholding the commitment to accessible healthcare solutions for all policyholders.
    James Barr

    Martin Adlington - Chief Executive Officer Nib Thrive

    Martin Adlington, the Chief Executive Officer Nib Thrive at nib, leads the specialized health management and wellness division. Adlington architects programs designed to improve long-term health outcomes for members, focusing on preventative care and chronic disease management. The Chief Executive Officer Nib Thrive oversees the integration of clinical services with insurance products to create a holistic health ecosystem. Martin Adlington coordinates with internal medical teams to refine service delivery models across the Australian and New Zealand markets. By prioritizing evidence-based health interventions, the Chief Executive Officer Nib Thrive enhances the value proposition for policyholders. This role involves scaling wellness initiatives that reduce the burden of disease and lower long-term healthcare costs. Adlington drives innovation in health service delivery, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of preventative medical support and member-centric care solutions.

    Rhod McKensey - Chief Executive Officer, Nib Health Strategy & Services

    Rhod McKensey, the Chief Executive Officer, Nib Health Strategy & Services at nib, defines the long-term vision for health service expansion and strategic partnerships. McKensey manages the development of new health-related business lines, ensuring alignment with the overarching corporate mission. The Chief Executive Officer, Nib Health Strategy & Services evaluates market trends to identify emerging opportunities in the medical services sector. Rhod McKensey directs cross-functional teams to implement strategic initiatives that broaden the scope of care provided to members. By fostering relationships with healthcare providers and technology partners, the Chief Executive Officer, Nib Health Strategy & Services strengthens the competitive position of the organization. This leadership role involves analyzing complex data to inform investment decisions in health infrastructure. McKensey drives the execution of high-impact projects that enhance the breadth and quality of medical services available to the entire member base.

    Edward Close - Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director

    Edward Close, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director at nib, provides overall strategic direction and governance for the entire organization. Close oversees the execution of corporate objectives across all regional operations in Australia and New Zealand. The Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director maintains accountability to the Board, ensuring transparency and long-term value creation for stakeholders. Edward Close coordinates the efforts of all executive leaders to ensure operational synergy and consistent brand performance. By setting the cultural tone and strategic priorities, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director guides the company through complex market shifts and regulatory environments. This role involves high-level decision-making regarding capital allocation and corporate development. Close drives the pursuit of excellence in health insurance and service delivery, ensuring the organization remains a leader in the medical insurance industry while consistently meeting the evolving needs of members.
    Edward Close

    Lauren Daniels - Group Chief People Officer

    Lauren Daniels, the Group Chief People Officer at nib, directs the human capital strategy and organizational development initiatives. Daniels oversees talent acquisition, employee engagement, and leadership development programs across the entire workforce. The Group Chief People Officer fosters a high-performance culture that aligns with the company's commitment to health and wellness. Lauren Daniels manages compensation, benefits, and diversity programs to attract and retain top-tier talent in the competitive insurance sector. By implementing modern workforce solutions, the Group Chief People Officer ensures that the organization possesses the necessary skills to execute complex health strategies. This role involves driving cultural transformation and supporting the professional growth of staff members. Daniels ensures that the internal organizational structure remains agile and responsive to the needs of the business, ultimately supporting the delivery of superior health insurance services to all members.

    Andrew Shankland - Group Head of Risk

    Andrew Shankland, the Group Head of Risk at nib, manages the enterprise-wide risk framework and compliance protocols. Shankland identifies potential financial, operational, and regulatory threats to the business, implementing mitigation strategies to protect organizational assets. The Group Head of Risk oversees internal audit functions and ensures adherence to strict insurance industry standards across all regional operations. Andrew Shankland collaborates with the executive team to integrate risk management into the strategic planning process. By monitoring market volatility and emerging health sector risks, the Group Head of Risk provides critical insights that inform decision-making at the highest levels. This role involves maintaining robust governance structures to ensure the stability of insurance funds. Shankland drives the development of comprehensive risk policies that support sustainable growth while safeguarding the interests of members and shareholders alike.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding nib Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads nib?
    nib is led by James Barr (Chief Executive Officer, Australian Private Health Insurance), along with executives such as Martin Adlington (Chief Executive Officer Nib Thrive) and Rhod McKensey (Chief Executive Officer, Nib Health Strategy & Services).
    Who is part of nib’s executive team?
    The executive team of nib includes leaders such as James Barr (Chief Executive Officer, Australian Private Health Insurance), Martin Adlington (Chief Executive Officer Nib Thrive), Rhod McKensey (Chief Executive Officer, Nib Health Strategy & Services) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does nib have?
    nib has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in nib’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of nib includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Australian Private Health Insurance, Chief Executive Officer Nib Thrive, Chief Executive Officer, Nib Health Strategy & Services, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Group Chief People Officer.