The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) has named its new CEO, following Prue Willsford’s decision to step down after a decade. 

As reported in a Breaking News update on Friday, former New Zealand politician Katrina Shanks will take over leadership of the industry’s membership organisation for education and professional standards on January 8. 

Ms Shanks has spent the past five years as CEO of Financial Advice NZ, a membership organisation for advisers working across mortgages, insurance, investment and financial planning. 

A chartered accountant by trade, she was a National Party MP from 2007 to 2014. 

“Katrina has a fantastic background and is experienced in a range of industries and environments,” ANZIIF President Ben Bessell said. 

“Her tenure in politics and ... industry associations will provide ANZIIF with the leadership and capability to continue to grow and deliver the strategic objectives of the board and members in Australia, New Zealand and Asia.”  

Ms Shanks will relocate from New Zealand to Melbourne “in the coming months” and will work with Ms Willsford on transition plans before taking up the CEO role in January.