Sax Institute welcomes new Board Chair

The Sax Institute is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Ian Pollard AM as the new Chair of its Board of Directors.

An actuary and Rhodes Scholar, Dr Pollard brings to his new role over 40 years of leadership experience as company director and chairman in both the corporate and not-for-profit worlds. He is Chairman of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists, which promotes the application to public policy of the best available environmental science, and since 2006 has been Chairman of RGA Reinsurance Australia and New Zealand, a role requiring detailed understanding of trends in health, disability and mortality. In 2020, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to business, ethical standards and the community.

Dr Pollard, who has sat on the Sax Institute Board since December 2023 said he looked forward to leading the next phase of growth at the Sax Institute, an independent not-for-profit organisation that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians by driving the use of research evidence in policies, programs and services.

“I’m honoured to accept this position with the Sax Institute, given the importance of its mission and the quality of the work it is doing across so many areas of the Australian health landscape,” Dr Pollard said.

“I aspire to make a contribution through my appreciation of the importance and value of rigorous research, my actuarial and statistical background, my links in the business community and my greatest interest – the development of people individually and as teams.”

Sax Institute CEO Dr Martin McNamara said Dr Pollard’s expertise and experience would be critical in helping the Institute achieve its strategic goals and address key public health challenges.

“We’re delighted to have someone of Dr Pollard’s stature chairing our Board of Directors. I’m very much looking forward to working with him and I know he has a huge contribution to make to the Institute as it embarks on a new phase of growth and development.”

Dr Pollard is taking over from Professor Ian Olver AM, who has been Board Chair since September 2019. Dr McNamara said he wished to record his sincere thanks to Professor Olver, whose guidance has been instrumental in shaping the future direction of the Institute and in consolidating its ongoing success.

Dr Pollard’s appointment as Board Chair became effective from 1 January 2025.