WorkCover Queensland announces new CEO 

Queensland Minister for Industrial Relations Grace Grace has named a new chief executive for WorkCover Queensland, who will start in the role on 18 June 2024.

Michael Pennisi has been appointed as the new CEO of WorkCover Queensland. Pennisi brings, the state government said in a statement, unique and extensive experiences, having previously held roles of CEO at QSuper, QInsure and QInvest.

Pennisi has also featured as a managing director at QIC Limited and has provided mentorship and coaching to chief executives in various sectors.

“I am honoured to be appointed as the CEO of WorkCover Queensland,” said Pennisi.

“WorkCover Queensland plays such a crucial role in supporting Queensland’s workers, employers and the broader community.

“It will be a privilege to lead the organisation and to work with the dedicated people at WorkCover Queensland to achieve our vision to be the best workers’ compensation insurer and make a positive difference in people’s lives.”

The position was made available after the retirement of Bruce Watson back in February after holding the role for seven years. Watson was met with a number of challenges throughout his tenure, including the re-emergence of black lung disease and, of course, the rollercoaster of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister for International Relations Grace Grace believes that Pennisi’s wealth of experience will be a catalyst for his strong leadership throughout the organisation.

“Supporting Queensland workers and businesses is at the heart of everything WorkCover Queensland does, and Mr Pennisi will bring a wealth of experience and strong leadership to continue the good work of the organisation,” Minister Grace said.

“This will be a challenging role, and Mr Pennisi’s experience as a trusted advisor to executives and organisations in diverse sectors, including financial services, aged care, infrastructure, not-for-profits and social housing, will serve him well during his tenure.”

The WorkCover board also chimed in on the appointment, fully supportive of Pennisi’s ability to lead the organisation through the various challenges he is expected to see in this role.

“We are very pleased to welcome Mr Pennisi to the role, he is extremely competent,” said WorkCover board chair Anthony Lynham.

“The leading workers’ compensation organisation in the nation will continue to be in very safe hands with a person of his breadth of experience.”

“As demands on WorkCover increase in our state, this will be an extremely demanding role, and we feel confident in Mr Pennisi leading what is already a large, efficient and dynamic team.”