Former Allianz sales and distribution manager Mark Lee will replace industry veteran Drue Castanelli as Insurance Advisernet’s GM Northern.

Mr Castanelli, who has been with the group for 15 years, announced his resignation in January. He will leave in October.

Mr Lee will start on May 2. MD Shaun Standfield says the transition will be “very smooth” because Mr Castanelli will mentor Mr Lee.

In January Mr Standfield said: “After 15 years with Insurance Advisernet and 32 in the insurance industry, Drue has formally let me know of his intention to retire from the… industry.

“True to Drue’s ethos of putting Insurance Advisernet first, he has given me 10 months’ notice and will leave… after our Hamilton Island conference in October.”

Mr Lee has been at Allianz for six years and before that worked as a broker in Sydney, the NT and Queensland.

“Mark’s broking career has spanned some 20 years, so he comes to us well qualified to assist our authorised representatives in growing their practices and with strong relationships with our underwriting partners,” Mr Standfield said.

Last week Simon Elliot began as GM Central Region, replacing Koert Slik, who departs the company on July 15. Mr Elliot has been national manager, insurance at consultant Moody Kiddell for eight years.

“Simon knows our systems and culture well and is looking forward to assisting our central region authorised representatives to grow their practices through the implementation of the many growth initiatives Insurance Advisernet is delivering,” Mr Standfield said. 

Mr Elliot has more than 15 years’ experience in insurance, finance and risk management, including a spell with Lloyd’s.

Under the reshuffle John Burke will oversee authorised representatives in WA.