Swiss Re Corporate Solutions says the search is underway for a successor to Country Head Australia and New Zealand Melanie Slack, who will take up a new role in London on May 1.

The commercial insurance arm of Swiss Re announced last week that Sydney-based Ms Slack is the incoming Head UK, Ireland, SA & EMEA Wholesale.

Her new role involves managing the strategy, development and performance of the business in the British, Irish and South African corporate insurance markets.

“After leading the team in Australia and New Zealand for almost four years, [she] has decided to take on a new role,” Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Regional CEO APAC Jonathan Rake told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“During this time, [she] led the [Australia and New Zealand] business with great energy and oversaw our growth in several product lines.”

Mr Rake says Ms Slack will leave the business at the end of April with “a strong team, with great momentum on the radar”.

Ms Slack joined Swiss Re Group in 2001, where she gained international experience in a range of senior management positions in underwriting, internal audit and public private partnerships. She has more than 30 years' experience in the re/insurance industry, and has worked in Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Switzerland, the UK and the US.