NZbrokers has appointed industry leader as its new Chief Executive Officer.

AUB Group owned, NZbrokers Management Limited (NZbrokers), New Zealand’s largest broking partner group, has appointed Mrs Jo Mason as its new Chief Executive Officer.

After 15 years of establishing and positioning NZbrokers as the largest broking group it is exciting for us to announce this planned transition of leadership for the future. Mrs Mason will succeed Mr Jim Harris, the current Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, effective from 1 July 2016.

Mrs Mason brings significant experience to the role, having worked in various senior leadership positions at Allianz Australia, NZI and IAG over an extensive career in the insurance industry. Most recently Mrs Mason was National Manager, Underwriting Agencies & Cluster Groups at Allianz Australia.

Commenting on the appointment of Mrs Mason, AUB Group NZ (owners of NZbrokers) Managing Director Mr Keith McIvor said: "Jim and I are pleased to have secured someone of Jo’s calibre, experience and leadership ability for the CEO position.”

"Her expertise, developed over an impressive career in insurance, will be an invaluable asset to NZbrokers as we embark on an exciting period of growth and focus on delivering value for our partners."

Mr McIvor added “that NZbrokers and its 54 member businesses are well-placed to thrive in the coming years, based on our Partnership philosophy, commitment to Collaboration, aim to provide a total risk solution to clients, ongoing commitment to technological enhancements and a clear focus on its role as being a valued leader in the insurance & risk services sector”.

Mrs Mason is a Council Member on the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance Womens’ Council.  Her qualifications include a Diploma in Business from Massey University and she has attended Advanced Management Programs at INSEAD Business Schools in France and Singapore. She will relocate back to New Zealand with her family in the coming weeks.

Mr Jim Harris has led NZbrokers since inception, and planned this natural succession. Given his extensive knowledge and relationships, along with his desire to be actively involved in the future, Jim will also maintain his role on the board as Founding Director. He will work with Jo assisting in the ongoing development of the group, thereby retaining the remarkable history and continuity of relationships into the future.

Mr Harris commented “Jo has exceptional credibility in the market and has been a supporter of insurance broking groups. Her leadership, knowledge and capability is a strong fit for our high performing group and our ongoing growth ambitions.”

Mr McIvor praised Mr Harris for his achievements, passion and service to NZbrokers. "Jim Harris has led NZbrokers through a period of genuine transformational change.  I and the Board would like to thank Jim for his outstanding contribution to date. We are excited that we have the skills of both Jim and Jo to lead us going forward.”