Specialty finance company Liberty Financial has appointed Leona Murphy as an independent non-executive director.

Ms Murphy has more than 20 years’ experience in financial services and was last year named one of Australia’s 100 women of influence.

She is also an independent non-executive director of non-profit fintech hub Stone & Chalk.

Until December last year Ms Murphy was chief strategy officer at IAG, which included responsibility for new business incubation.

Her eight years at IAG included spells as chief transformation officer and CEO of Buzz Insurance. Ms Murphy has also held senior executive roles at Promina Group and Vero.

Liberty Chairman Richard Longes says Ms Murphy brings a “distinguished mix of business and leadership skills”.

“Equally important for Liberty is Leona’s cultural fit around our approach to free thinking, innovation and social purpose.”