Rachael Lavars has been appointed Elantis Premium Funding CEO for Australia and New Zealand, effective from June 29.

Ms Lavars brings strong experience in the sector, previously leading Macquarie Pacific Funding, now known as iQumulate. Most recently she served as a Division Director within Macquarie Group playing a key role in the development of a new commercial lending product, targeting SMEs.

Elantis Chairman Peter Searson says the company has appointed a leader with a strong track record in profit and loss management, operational excellence and growth.

“Rachael’s success has been built on creating collaborative working environments with teams delivering above client expectations,” he said.

Elantis says the leadership and professionalism of Acting CEO Jurgen Rammesmayer has provided a stable platform for the business and he will work closely with Ms Lavars to ensure an orderly transition.

“I’m pleased to acknowledge the solid work Jurgen has done with the Elantis team,” Mr Searson said. “Now with Rachael coming on board, our broker partners are in good hands and Australian businesses will continue to benefit via our competitive alternative to paying annual premiums.”

Elantis, which has been offering funding for more than 29 years’, was formerly known as Lumley Finance. The business is now owned by Gallagher but operates independently as a separate company.