The Australasian Institute of Chartered Loss Adjusters (AICLA) has named Michael Collins as President following the group’s AGM in Auckland last week.

Mr Collins, from YDR in Adelaide, takes over from Cerno’s Michael Cooke. The new Deputy President is Leon Briggs, of Cunningham Lindsey New Zealand.

Membership strategies were among the issues raised at the AGM, with Asia still a focus for growth. AICLA’s international division is now its largest, boasting 211 members, with strong gains in Indonesia and Vietnam recently targeted.

“There is an increasing trend for Australian loss adjusters to work from Asia,” institute CEO Tony Libke told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “They have just upped and left and based themselves in Singapore or Bangkok. Loss adjusting is a global industry.”

Record numbers of loss adjusters joined AICLA last financial year, but this was offset by a record number of retirements. Membership stands at about 890.

Mr Libke says new workshops and seminars are planned, and it is hoped a marine module will be added to the diploma.

AICLA has agreed to conduct a survey on the needs of women in the industry. Only 10% of loss adjusters are women.