Investment and Financial Services Association (IFSA) CEO Richard Gilbert is confident he will leave the life insurance industry in good shape when he retires from the top job in September.

Mr Gilbert will take up a part-time role as an associate director. He says he will continue to assist IFSA on major policy advocacy.

“I’ve been with the organisation since 1998 and just decided to pursue some fresh opportunities,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “I will still be around to help them with major corporate issues and to keep the corporate memory intact.”

Mr Gilbert was appointed CEO in August 2002 after serving as Deputy CEO from IFSA’s formation in 1998. During that time he says the life insurance industry has made significant strides.

“The life insurance industry has got its act together,” he said. “I believe IFSA has made massive progress in regard to the underwriting of mental health and genetics as well as maintaining the business liaison with community interest groups.

“IFSA has done a fantastic job through initiatives such as the Lifewise promotional campaign and I expect we’ll continue to see strong growth.”