INSURANCE AUSTRALIA GROUP EXEC PICKS UP ORDER OF AUSTRALIA AWARD

Australian bank and insurance executive Michael Hawker has been recognised for his service to the financial sector and his work mentoring young Australians.

Mr Hawker was the chief executive and managing director of Insurance Australia Group (IAG, ASX:IAG) from 2001 to 2008.

While his resignation from IAG came amid shareholder anger over the company's rejection of a takeover bid, he has successfully moved on to current board positions with Macquarie Group and UK insurer Aviva.

After earning 25 caps as a centre in the Australian rugby union team during the 1980s, Mr Hawker's senior financial career began in 1990 as a deputy managing director at Citibank Australia.

His service as a leader in banking and finance industries in the decades since has been recognised with an appointment as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia.

The honour is also an affirmation of Mr Hawker's work in the community.

He founded the Australian Business Community Network, a program that sees senior business leaders mentor and support principals and students in the NSW public school system.

It aims to improve students' level of education and career opportunities.

The system now reaches more than 80 schools, with 29 large corporations and their executives currently taking part.

The 50-year-old father of three currently resides in London and AAP was unable to contact him for comment on the honour.