New National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) CEO Richard Klipin says it is a “pivotal time” for the organisation and its “powerful” community. 

Mr Klipin’s appointment was announced on Tuesday after NIBA’s Board Executive Committee undertook an extensive search process with a professional recruitment firm. 

He takes the reins on May 27 as Phil Kewin departs the role and moves to London to be with his partner.  

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

“The NIBA community is a powerful one that guides and advises Australians to better manage and understand their risks.” 

NIBA had announced in January that Mr Kewin had resigned and it was undertaking a search for a replacement. NIBA President Gary Okely says 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 Klipin will relocate back to his native Sydney, where he was formerly Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) CEO from 2006-2013 after 12 years at ING.  

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

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.