Tributes to former chairman

John Keane, the chairman of the board at Provident Insurance, has died following his long battle with cancer.

He passed away on April 7 with his daughter Laragh, his sister Mary and her husband John Brosnan at his bedside in Cork Hospital, Ireland.

Formerly Vero Insurance NZ’s chief risk officer, chief underwriter and executive general manager of business performance, strategy and insurance services, Keane served as non-executive chairman of Provident Insurance.

He was known by people as a charismatic and visionary leader, and as a man of the highest integrity who always did the right things and did things right.

A proud Corkman, Keane, pictured, regarded himself as an honorary Kiwi. He loved New Zealand and its people. One of his common sayings was that, “he wore his jandals on the inside”.

A founding director of Provident Insurance, he made many friends in this country and was held in the highest regard by all who met him. 

Keane returned to his hometown of Cork in 2014. He made regular quarterly visits to New Zealand for board meetings, and kept in touch with Provident staff, customers, service providers and the Provident network.

His expertise, commitment and contribution to the company was significant, and his sense of humour was infectious. Above all else, he cared about people and will be missed by all.

Keane’s daughter Laragh will be coming across to New Zealand in July to spread some of his ashes on Cheltenham Beach, Devonport – a place he lived and loved during his time here. 

At this time, Provident will be planning a celebration of his life to which all will be invited. To catch a common phrase, John is now “tickety-boo” – may he rest in peace.

Current director David Randell has now been appointed Provident’s board chairman.