Helia Group has confirmed a significant leadership refresh, naming Mark Senkevics (pictured) as its incoming chief executive officer and managing director, and confirming Craig Ward's transition from Interim CFO to a permanent appointment.
The announcements mark the end of a period of interim leadership and signal that the company's board is ready to set a long-term strategic course. The news also comes as Helia's gross written premiums fell 32% year-on-year to $51 million in Q1 2026, after losing the CBA contract to Arch Lenders Mortgage Indemnity in February.
Senkevics brings strong credentials to the role. His career spans two decades at Swiss Re Group — where he held senior leadership positions in Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, and Korea — and more recently Steadfast Group, where he served as EGM Underwriting and, subsequently, CEO of Underwriting Agencies.
He holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Sydney and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Helia chair Leona Murphy said the appointment was the result of a thorough search process.
"Mark brings more than 25 years of insurance industry experience including leadership positions across Australia, New Zealand and Asia-Pacific markets,” Murphy said. “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."
Senkevics himself is focused on the opportunity ahead.
"I'm excited to be joining Helia at a pivotal time for the Australian homeownership and lending landscape," he said. "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."
Senkevics’ start date is set for on or before 1 December.
Murphy used the announcement to pay tribute to outgoing Interim CEO Michael Cant.
"On behalf of the board, I want to pass on our thanks to Mr. Cant for his service as interim CEO since 1 July 2025 and prior to that as chief financial officer,” she said. “Michael has been an outstanding leader for the organisation. His dedication, expertise, and professionalism have left an invaluable impact, and we wish him the best as he moves into the next phase of his career."
Cant, who stepped into the interim role on 1 July 2025 following his tenure as CFO, will remain in place until Senkevics is fully onboarded. His contract has been extended to facilitate a smooth handover, after which he intends to pursue non-executive opportunities.
Alongside the CEO news, Helia confirmed that Craig Ward will take on the CFO role from 1 July 2026, having acted in the position since mid-2025. The dual announcement rounds out a full executive leadership reset at the company.
The challenge extends beyond contract losses. The government's expanded First Home Guarantee Scheme now allows eligible first-home buyers to purchase with a 5% deposit and no LMI, adding a further headwind to Helia's new business volumes.
For the full announcement, follow this link.
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