RMIA appoints Phillip Starkins as Chief Executive Officer
The Risk Management Institute of Australasia is pleased to announce the appointment of Phillip Starkins as Chief Executive Officer, commencing 16 November 2026.
Phillip’s appointment follows a comprehensive recruitment and selection process led by the RMIA Board. It represents an important next step for RMIA as the Institute builds on its organisational momentum and prepares to deliver its 2027–2030 strategic direction.
Phillip joins RMIA at a significant point in its development. The RMIA is progressing a broad program of work to strengthen member value, expand education and professional capability, reform and reinforce its certification pathways, deepen strategic partnerships, and amplify the contribution of risk professionals across Australasia.
About Phillip Starkins
Phillip Starkins is an accomplished chief executive and strategic leader with more than two decades of experience across industry and government. His career has focused on organisational transformation, enterprise risk, operational resilience and the leadership of complex, highly regulated organisations.
As CEO of the Australian Marine Oil Spill Centre, Phillip led a business turnaround by identifying critical organisational risks, implementing a financial repair plan, strengthening expenditure controls and modernising governance, people and safety systems. He also initiated a governance modernisation program to prepare the organisation for structural integration with a global partner.
Phillip’s risk leadership is grounded in practical operational experience. He has directed major oil spill responses, led large scale Level 3 emergency exercises, and supported cross government pandemic planning and mitigation. Earlier in his career, he held senior risk, security and emergency management roles within government, including Acting Director of Operational Delivery in Victoria’s Security and Emergency Management Division.
Known for his collaborative and situational leadership style, Phillip builds trusted relationships with boards, governments, industry partners and diverse teams. He combines strategic judgement with disciplined execution to strengthen organisational capability, culture and long term resilience.
Deputy Chair’s statement
RMIA Deputy Chair Kerri Stephens welcomed the appointment:
“Phillip joins RMIA at an important point in our evolution. The RMIA has continued to strengthen its organisational foundations while progressing an ambitious agenda across membership, education, certification, partnerships and professional engagement.
The Board was looking for a CEO who could build on that momentum while bringing fresh perspective, strong executive leadership and a clear commitment to member value. Phillip’s experience in organisational transformation, operational resilience and stakeholder leadership provides a strong foundation for RMIA’s next phase.
We are delighted to welcome Phillip and look forward to working with him as RMIA continues to strengthen its relevance, reach and contribution to the risk profession.”
Phillip said:
“I am honoured to join RMIA and excited by the opportunity to lead an organisation with such an important professional purpose.
Risk professionals are navigating increasingly complex and interconnected challenges. RMIA has a vital role in bringing practitioners together, building capability, supporting professional recognition and contributing constructively to the issues shaping organisations and communities.
My first priority will be to listen and learn from RMIA’s members, Chapters, staff, volunteers, partners and stakeholders. I look forward to building on the work already underway and helping translate RMIA’s strategic ambition into practical and lasting value.”
Phillip will commence as Chief Executive Officer on 16 November 2026.
The RMIA Board, staff and wider community warmly welcome Phillip to the RMIA. Opportunities for members, Chapters and stakeholders to meet and engage with Phillip will be announced following his commencement.