Geoff Summerhayes joins Beyond Zero Emissions

Beyond Zero Emissions is proud to announce the appointment of former Australian Prudential Regulation Authority executive board member Geoff Summerhayes as its chair.

The former Suncorp Life chief executive brings a wealth of experience in management, insurance and financial services. He understands that climate change is not just an environmental, ethical and political issue but also a major financial concern.

Mr Summerhayes was one of the first regulators to encourage financial institutions to calculate the risks posed by climate change and was the driving force behind the regulator’s push for climate risk standards. He also chaired the United Nations’ Sustainable Insurance Forum.

Prior to taking up his role at APRA, Mr Summerhayes ran insurance giant Suncorp Life from 2008 to 2015. Before that, he spent more than 20 years gaining property and financial services experience at Lend Lease, MLC and NAB.

“Having helped raise awareness of the financial risk of climate change and shaped the regulatory response both in Australia and internationally, it is invigorating to be working with BZE on the opportunities that arise from the massive transformation of the global economy to a low carbon future,” Mr Summerhayes said.

“There are huge opportunities for Australia and our communities to embrace a net zero future.

“I have watched and admired BZE’s positive and constructive contribution to the national debate.

“BZE enjoys broad support from donors, volunteers and is strongly led by capable management team and board and I look forward to working with them to build on their legacy. BZE has a strong sense of purpose and passion for Australia and the opportunities in a zero emissions future.”

Mr Summerhayes takes over as chair from Outware Mobile founder Eytan Lenko, who has made an incredible contribution to BZE during his nine years on the board, the maximum allowed by our constitution. Mr Lenko will continue to make a valuable contribution to our work.