TAL hires new boss for mental health

Mr Baird is a registered psychologist and an accredited trainer to various mental health stakeholder groups, such as beyondblue and LivingWorks Australia, which work to address issues associated with depression, anxiety, related mental disorders and suicide, TAL said in a statement.

Prior to joining TAL, Mr Baird was a director at SportsLife iQ, a support and counselling group for elite athletes, where he developed and delivered training programs in mental health and wellbeing.

TAL general manager for health services Sally Phillips said Mr Baird will be working with TAL’s broader health services team and multiple mental health groups to drive the insurer’s internal and external health strategy. This will include advising on both the prevention and return to health of customers suffering from mental health illnesses.

“Mental health represents the second-largest category of claims after cancer and it is a growing theme in society and in our customers’ lives,” Ms Phillips said.

“It’s important that we have the right expertise to make objective decisions, reflecting evolving medical best practice and give our customers the very best support.

“We have every confidence that Glenn’s skills and experience will make him ideally suited to the new role.”

Mr Baird starts the role today in TAL’s Sydney office.