Melbourne-based recreational boat insurer Club Marine has appointed Karen Te Maipi as CEO, taking over from Simon McLean who has a new role as GM Automotive and Marine at parent company Allianz.

Ms Te Maipi, who has been acting CEO since January, took up the job permanently this month, a spokesman for the insurer told insuranceNEWS.com.au today. She will run the business from the head office in Brighton, a bayside suburb.

She was previously Head of Brand and Direct, a role she held for nearly five years.

Before joining Club Marine in April 2015, Ms Te Maipi was a senior marketing specialist at RACV, according to her LinkedIn account.

“I am extremely proud of what Club Marine has achieved over the last seven years, and know that I am leaving the business in good hands,” Mr McLean said.

“Since joining Club Marine in 2015, [Ms Te Maipi] has helped steer the company through an evolutionary growth period.

“Under her leadership, Brand and Direct has developed and launched a raft of initiatives, including the Member Rewards program, Club Marine TV, the Club Marine App, and a revamped website, as well as overseeing the company’s events and sponsorship programs.”

Ms Te Maipi says she will work on extending the insurer’s market leading position and enhancing member experience.

“We have a very dedicated and customer-centric team at Club Marine and I’ll be working hard to ensure the emphasis remains on our members, our partners and the many services we provide.”