Veteran insurance executive to take the helm following current CEO’s retirement
Helia Group Limited, Australia’s largest provider of lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) has announced a double leadership appointment, with Mark Senkevics (pictured) named as the new chief executive and managing director and Craig Ward as chief financial officer.
Senkevics, who will take effect on or before 1 December, brings more than 25 years of insurance industry experience to the role. He joins from Steadfast Group and previously spent two decades at Swiss Re Group across leadership roles in Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and Korea.
Helia chair Leona Murphy said Senkevics was well placed to lead the company through a pivotal moment for the home lending sector.
"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 said he was joining at a critical juncture for Australian home ownership.
"I'm excited to be joining Helia at a pivotal time for the Australian home ownership and lending landscape," he said. "Helia has built a strong reputation through the expertise and commitment of its people and 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."
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Senkevics will take over from interim chief executive Michael Cant, who was appointed to the position on 1 July 2025 following the departure of Pauline Blight-Johnston after more than five years in the role. Cant's contract will be extended to allow an orderly handover, after which he will retire from full-time executive work.
Ward, who has served as interim CFO since 1 July 2025, will be formally appointed to the CFO role from 1 July 2026.
Helia, formerly known as Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia, is the largest provider of LMI in Australia and is regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA).
