Claims service provider Stream Group has appointed Gavin Dixon as CEO, with MD Don McKenzie stepping down and moving to a more strategic role.

Mr Dixon, a chartered accountant, was most recently COO of leading New Zealand life insurer Sovereign.

Before that he was COO at Woori Aviva Life Insurance in Seoul, and held senior positions with Aviva in Singapore and London.

Stream Chairman Christian Bernecker has also stepped down. Lawrence Case, who became a director in June, has replaced him.

Both Mr Bernecker and Mr McKenzie remain directors, but Mr Bernecker told insuranceNEWS.com.au Mr Dixon will be responsible for the business’ day-to-day running.

“Gavin has strong operational experience and will be very hands-on,” he said. “His initial focus will be the Australian business, which has seen its fair share of challenges.

“New Zealand runs pretty well and the UK operation, while still ramping up, is progressing nicely. So for the first six to 12 months it will be about buckling down in Australia.”

Previous CEO Paul Lynch resigned over health concerns in April, following six months in the role.

Stream has also announced that Tony Nicklin has retired from the board due to health reasons, although he will remain a director of Stream Group NZ.

Mr Dixon will relocate to Stream’s Brisbane headquarters, with his position effective from August 31.