Insurance Council of New Zealand CEO Tim Grafton has been appointed Membership Executive of the Global Federation of Insurance Associations.

He takes the role from Insurance Council of Australia CEO Rob Whelan, who has stepped down after four years.

Mexican industry figure Recaredo Arias has been elected President, taking over from Dirk Kempthorne, who left in August following his departure as president and CEO of the American Council of Life Insurers.

The federation is a non-profit group set up in 2012 to provide input to international regulatory bodies and contribute to global dialogue on issues of common interest.