New ACC Board Appointments Signal Major Push to Deliver Turnaround Plan

“These appointees bring a wealth of expertise and proven leadership to the ACC Board,” Simpson said, emphasising their role in supporting the delivery of the Turnaround Plan.

The New Zealand Government has appointed three high-calibre leaders to the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) Board, in a move aimed at accelerating the organisation's performance overhaul and strengthening its long-term financial and service delivery outcomes.

ACC Minister Scott Simpson announced that Richard Keys, Lindsay Wright, and Michael Playford will join the board from 11 May 2026, bringing a powerful blend of expertise across healthcare, finance, governance, and actuarial science.

The appointments come at a critical juncture for ACC, as it advances its Turnaround Plan—a comprehensive reform programme designed to restore efficiency, improve client outcomes, and reinforce public trust in one of New Zealand's most significant public institutions.

Strengthening Leadership at a Critical Time

"These appointees bring a wealth of expertise and proven leadership to the ACC Board," Simpson said, emphasising their role in supporting the delivery of the Turnaround Plan.

The plan outlines a strategic reset for ACC, focusing on:

• Putting clients first

• Helping injured New Zealanders return to work and independence faster

• Re-establishing operational discipline and core service delivery standards

The ACC scheme, which provides no-fault injury cover to all New Zealanders, manages billions of dollars in assets and supports hundreds of thousands of claims annually—making governance capability crucial to both financial sustainability and public service outcomes.

Diverse Expertise to Drive Reform

The three new board members bring complementary strengths that align closely with ACC's current challenges.

Richard Keys is a seasoned independent director with deep experience in healthcare, disability services, and corporate governance. His previous role as CEO of Abano Healthcare Group saw him lead large-scale organisational transformation, while his governance roles—including with Southern Cross Central Lakes Hospital and the Pacific Clinical Research Network—underscore his ability to align clinical outcomes with financial performance.

His expertise is expected to be particularly valuable as ACC works to improve rehabilitation pathways and healthcare integration.

Lindsay Wright adds strong credentials in financial services, investment strategy, and asset management. With governance roles at major institutions such as Spark New Zealand and the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation, she brings a track record of ensuring accountability, transparency, and disciplined investment oversight.

Given ACC's substantial investment portfolio—critical to funding long-term claims—her experience will be central to maintaining financial resilience amid economic uncertainty.

Michael Playford, an experienced actuary, brings specialised knowledge in risk modelling, forecasting, and long-term financial planning. His background in managing injury support schemes and actuarial systems positions him to help ACC navigate complex liabilities and ensure the sustainability of the scheme over decades.

Focus on Financial Sustainability and Client Outcomes

The appointments reflect a deliberate strategy to balance financial discipline with improved service delivery.

ACC has faced increasing pressure in recent years due to:

• Rising claim volumes

• Growing long-term liabilities

• The need for faster rehabilitation outcomes

• Public expectations for more responsive and transparent services

The Turnaround Plan aims to address these challenges by improving operational efficiency while ensuring that injured New Zealanders receive timely, effective support.

"The combined skills of the newly-appointed Directors will strengthen the Board's ability to deliver on the Turnaround Plan," Simpson said.

Rebuilding Trust in a Core Public Institution

As one of New Zealand's most visible public service entities, ACC plays a vital role in supporting individuals, businesses, and the healthcare system.

Strong governance is seen as essential to:

• Maintaining public confidence

• Ensuring fair and consistent decision-making

• Managing long-term financial risks

• Delivering better recovery outcomes for clients

Analysts note that the inclusion of expertise across healthcare systems, investment management, and actuarial science reflects a holistic approach to reform—one that recognises the interconnected nature of ACC's operational and financial challenges.

Looking Ahead

With the new board members set to begin their terms in May, attention will turn to how quickly the ACC Board can translate strategic direction into measurable improvements.

Success will likely be judged on:

• Faster claim processing times

• Improved rehabilitation and return-to-work rates

• Stronger financial performance

• Enhanced client satisfaction

If effective, the strengthened board could play a pivotal role in reshaping ACC into a more agile, accountable, and client-focused organisation.

As Simpson noted, the ultimate goal remains clear: ensuring ACC continues to deliver trusted, sustainable support for injured New Zealanders—now and into the future.