New Zealand’s Earthquake Commission (EQC) Chief Strategy Officer Tina Mitchell has started in her new position as CEO, taking over from Sid Miller, who announced his resignation last August.

Board Chairman Mary-Jane Daly says Ms Mitchell brings a stellar mix of skills in leadership, operational expertise, and stakeholder engagement to the role.

Ms Mitchell has a strong background in transformation programmes, law, policy, and dispute resolution, EQC said.

She also has financial services experience from former roles at the Accident Compensation Corporation and the Banking Ombudsman Scheme.

“Having worked closely with [her] over the past two years, we know she shares the Board’s commitment to improving New Zealanders’ readiness and resilience to natural hazards, and for ensuring the country’s natural disaster insurance scheme can take care of communities when the next disaster strikes,” Ms Daly said.

“We are really looking forward to what she’ll achieve in the new role and how she will take EQC forward.”

Ms Mitchell has worked closely with the Board over the past two years to support the development of EQC's strategic direction, as well as leading work to build the organisation’s cultural capability and implementing the recommendations from the Public Inquiry into the EQC.

“EQC has changed significantly over the past decade to become a modern, agile organisation, with world-leading expertise in insurance, finance, science, and customer service,” Ms Mitchell said.

“We’re in a great space, and there’s lots more to do.”