Helen Robinson has been appointed chief executive officer of the Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA) for a five-year term, with the appointment taking effect immediately.
Robinson has served as acting CEO since July 2025, following the retirement of long-serving chief executive Rod Whithear, who led the organisation for 13 years.
Since joining ICWA as chief operating officer in July 2024, Robinson has been closely involved in the strategic and operational oversight of Western Australia’s motor injury insurance system, which underpins claims management, recovery outcomes and premium stability for road users.
For the freight industry, ICWA plays a significant role in the broader risk and insurance landscape, providing compulsory motor injury insurance cover that affects heavy vehicle operators, fleet owners and businesses moving goods across the State.
The Commission provides motor injury insurance to more than 2.2 million drivers. It covers 3.4 million vehicles in Western Australia, including a substantial share of commercial and heavy vehicles operating on key freight corridors.
ICWA also delivers self-insurance services for nearly 150,000 government employees and manages insurance cover for approximately $87 billion in Western Australian Government assets, giving the organisation a critical role in managing large-scale transport and infrastructure risk.
Robinson brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience across government and non-government organisations, with previous senior roles at Serco, St John of God Health Care, Synergy and Western Power.
Her background in finance, operations and regulated service delivery is expected to support continuity in claims performance, governance and long-term system sustainability, factors closely watched by insurers, fleet managers and transport operators.
Treasurer Rita Saffioti said Robinson had demonstrated strong leadership during her time as acting CEO.
“I congratulate Helen Robinson on her appointment as chief executive of the Insurance Commission of Western Australia,” Saffioti said.
“Robinson has more than 20 years’ experience across government and non-government organisations and has demonstrated that she is a dedicated leader during her time as acting CEO.
“I’d also like to acknowledge ICWA’s former CEO, Rod Whithear, for his contributions over 13 years of service in the role.”