ACC chief executive Ralph Stewart steps down
ACC chief executive Ralph Stewart has resigned - the latest scalp in the fallout from the Bronwyn Pullar fiasco.
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"Please don't be distracted by the current events," ACC chief executive Ralph Stewart told staff in his resignation note today.
A spokeswoman for the corporation, Stephanie Julian, confirmed Mr Stewart would be stepping down but as to the timing and other details, "they're still being worked out," she told NBR ONLINE.
He is the latest scalp in the fallout from the Bronwyn Pullar fiasco.
The resignation follows an announcement yesterday that board chairman John Judge would leave.
Former Commerce Commission chair Paula Rebstock, now a key player in the government's social welfare reforms, will take over as ACC chairwoman on July 1.
Mr Stewart was appointed chief executive of the Accident Compensation Corporation only late last year and stepped almost immediately into an increasingly public row about privacy breaches and the corporation's role and culture.
His background was in the insurance and savings industry, as chief executive of Axa New Zealand and, before that, head of Axa's wealth management team.
In an industry with a somewhat mixed reputation ethically, Mr Stewart had a reputation as a straightforward as well as a canny operator.
As ACC chief executive he has been visibly uncomfortable with some of the recent revelations about the corporation, especially around the treatment and dealings with long-term claimant Bronwyn Pullar.
In his letter to staff this morning he indicated these recent events risked dwarfing what the government and the corporation are trying to do.
"In the relatively short time I have been here I have quickly come to respect ACC’s people, purpose and commitment to supporting the New Zealand way of life.
"I am deeply frustrated that the benefits of the scheme and the great work we do has been overshadowed by recent events.
"You have made great strides on our plan to transform ACC.
"I’m going to ask you all to keep faith with the plan, which I know is supported by the Minister and has been supported by the board for many years."
Rob Hosking
Wed, 13 Jun 2012
Wed, 13 Jun 2012
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ACC chief executive Ralph Stewart steps down
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