The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) has appointed Richard Klipin as CEO, effective May 27 as Phil Kewin departs the role.

NIBA announced Mr Kewin had resigned from the CEO role in January in order to move to London to be with his partner. He has agreed to work remotely in the role after he relocates on March 28 until Mr Klipin arrives.

Mr Klipin resigned as Financial Services Council of New Zealand CEO last month after seven years in that role, based in Auckland.

For the NIBA appointment, he will relocate back to Sydney where he was formerly Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) CEO from 2006-2013 after 12 years at ING.

“The NIBA community is a powerful one that guides and advises Australians to better manage and understand their risks,” Mr Klipin said today, adding he was "delighted to be joining NIBA at this pivotal time”.

“I look forward to working with the board, the members and key stakeholders as we build on our platform of representation, professionalism and community.”

As reported in a Breaking News bulletin earlier today, NIBA President Gary Okely says the Board Executive Committee undertook an extensive search process in conjunction with a professional recruitment firm, and there were “a number of outstanding candidates”.

"Richard’s extensive experience in professional associations and a strong history of relationships with the government and key regulators (was) influential in the decision to engage him as our CEO,” Mr Okely said.

“Richard comes to NIBA with a strong track record across membership associations and the financial services spectrum which is why we believe he is perfectly positioned to lead our organisation into the future.”

Mr Kewin, who was also previously AFA CEO, joined NIBA in 2021 and in November that year took over from Dallas Booth, who occupied the CEO role for over a decade.

While at NIBA Mr Kewin oversaw the launch of the 2022 Insurance Brokers Code of Practice, the updating of the NIBA Constitution, the return of the NIBA Convention, and the launch of NIBA’s Insure Your Future initiative to promote insurance broking as a career.

“The NIBA board would like to acknowledge the significant contribution outgoing CEO Philip Kewin has made to the association and its members,” Mr Okely said.

Mr Klipin will meet NIBA members and other industry representatives after he joins in May.