Former IAG New Zealand CEO Jacki Johnson will retire from the group in June, but will continue to represent the company on a new financial sector sustainability group.

CEO Peter Harmer says Ms Johnson, who is now IAG’s Group Executive of People, Performance and Reputation, “Jacki has been instrumental in bringing our purpose to life and in repositioning IAG as a leader in taking action on climate change”.

“She has created a powerful and enduring legacy. I am pleased Jacki will continue to support IAG on some specific projects, and that she plans to continue with her existing non-executive director responsibilities outside IAG.”

Ms Johnson will remain as co-chairman of the Australian Sustainable Finance Initiative, which was announced last week, representing IAG on the group.

She is also an elected member of the UN Environment Program Finance Initiative Steering Committee, in the position of Co-Chairman.

Ms Johnson has worked at IAG for 18 years and was CEO of the New Zealand business from 2010-16, helping to lead the recovery following the Canterbury earthquakes.

She is a former Insurance Council of New Zealand president and established IAG’s first online start-up business, The Buzz, in 2009.

IAG says it will conduct an internal and external search for a replacement.