PPS Mutual Announces New Chair: Dr. Anthony Asher to succeed Mike Jackson
Specialist insurance company PPS Mutual has announced the appointment of Dr. Anthony Asher as Chair of its Board of Directors, succeeding Mike Jackson. After 51 years in the global life insurance industry, Mr Jackson is stepping down from the PPS Mutual Board. He will remain for 12 months to support a smooth transition to the new Chair.
Dr. Asher, an actuary and Associate Professor at UNSW Business School, joined the PPS Mutual Board in 2024 and brings decades of experience across the financial services sector, academia, and industry bodies. His career includes senior roles with Prudential in South Africa, APRA, and Deloitte in Australia, alongside longstanding involvement with the Actuaries Institute and the non-profit sector.
He takes on the role at a time of strong momentum for PPS Mutual, which has recently surpassed 15,000 Members and $106 million in in-force premiums. The business has also been named Australia’s highest-rated insurer for three consecutive years, achieving an industry-leading Net Promoter Score of 54.8 in the Adviser Ratings Australian Financial Advice Landscape 2025 report, while ranking first in six major adviser satisfaction categories including trust, reputation, and client understanding.
Chief Executive Michael Pillemer said Dr. Asher’s appointment marks an important next chapter for the mutual: “Anthony’s unique blend of industry expertise, governance experience and vision makes him the ideal leader to chair our Board at this exciting stage of PPS Mutual’s journey. He brings not only deep technical and governance expertise but also a principled, values-driven outlook. His leadership will help ensure that PPS Mutual continues to grow sustainably while staying true to its mission of serving the needs of Australian professionals.”
Dr. Asher said he was honoured to step into the Chair at a time when PPS Mutual is increasingly recognised for the strength of its model: “The foundation of PPS Mutual lies in alignment with our insured Members – when the company succeeds, Members share directly in that success. That creates a culture of trust that is rare in the insurance sector. I look forward to working closely with the Board, Michael, and his executive team to continue building on this success and ensuring that we deliver consistently for Members and advisers into the future.”
Reflecting on his tenure, outgoing Chair Mike Jackson said it had been a privilege to contribute to PPS Mutual’s development in Australia and to witness the renewed reputation of mutuals globally.
“Over my career I have seen many industry models tested, but mutuals have consistently stood out for their resilience. Globally, during the Global Financial Crisis and again in the pandemic, they held stronger reserves, responded flexibly, and put Members’ interests first. For me, that strength lies in a model that balances commercial discipline with a genuine commitment to the people it serves. It has been rewarding to see that ethos take root in Australia through PPS Mutual, and I am confident Anthony will continue to guide it with the same focus. I look forward to supporting him during the transition.”
PPS Mutual is supported by PPS South Africa, the largest multi-disciplinary group of professionals in the world and the largest mutual company in South Africa since the 1940s – sharing over $3 billion in profits with Members over the last 10 years. PPS Mutual is owned by its Australian Members who share in the profits of the products that they buy.
