New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) has named Scott Pickering of Willis as its new CEO, following the departure of Ralph Stewart last December.

Mr Pickering is a New Zealander but has spent most of the past 22 years abroad, most recently in Johannesburg as Willis’ CEO of central and eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

He “shares the board’s vision of restoring public trust and confidence in the ACC through transforming the business model to improve the quality of service delivery to clients”, corporation Chairman Paula Rebstock says.

The ACC was embroiled in a privacy breach last year when the personal details of more than 6700 clients were sent to a client who was in dispute with the corporation. The furore led to the resignations of the chairman, two directors and Mr Stewart.

Mr Pickering’s other previous roles include regional CEO of RSA Insurance in Asia and the Middle East, and almost 20 years with Ace Insurance, including as New Zealand MD.

He will begin his new role on May 1.