Austbrokers has extended the contract of CEO and MD Mark Searles for a further three years from January 1.

“Mark has done an excellent job in leading the company through difficult insurance market conditions, while diversifying operations into New Zealand, risk services and achieving increased growth in the underwriting agency business,” Chairman Richard Longes said.

Mr Searles joined Austbrokers on January 1 2013 from CGU, where he was GM broker and agent.