The board of directors at New Zealand’s AA Insurance will recruit a new CEO ahead of the retirement of Chris Curtin in December after 28 years in the top role.

AA Insurance is a joint venture between Suncorp’s Vero Insurance and the New Zealand Automobile Association.

Auckland-based Mr Curtin has delivered nearly three decades of exceptional service, it says. Under his leadership AA grew to be one of New Zealand’s largest insurers, employing more than 1000 people and providing more than a million policies to over 500,000 citizens.

Chair Doug McTaggart thanked Mr Curtin for his hard work and dedication, commending his "unique ability to inspire others to go above and beyond”.

"We have been extraordinarily lucky to have Chris lead our business for so long. Chris has built this company from the ground up and his imprint on this business speaks for itself,” Mr McTaggart said. “Under his leadership, AA Insurance has consistently achieved outstanding results and exceeded expectations.”

Last year, AA won general insurance company of the year and insurance learning program of the year at the New Zealand Insurance Awards, an event organised by the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF).

Mr Curtin, who began his career at GIO Australia in Sydney and took the GM role at AA in 1994, said it had been an honour to lead the talented leadership team and he was “excited to see our remarkable team drive our brand and business forward”.

“It’s been a pleasure working closely with Doug and our board, who have been inspirational in their support and guidance along the way,” Mr Curtin said.