Bill Friend, the Executive Officer of Melbourne-based broker cluster Insight Australia Group, left the organisation today after six years in the job.

Insight director Tony Bown will act in the role until a replacement for Mr Friend is appointed.

A statement from Insight today does not give a reason for Mr Friend’s unexpected departure but says he was actively involved in Insight’s transition from an incorporated association to a corporate entity.

Mr Friend is credited with managing the rapid growth of the group, which grew from 15 members in 2007 to 53 member companies operating nationally today.

Insight was originally the Regional Insurance Brokers Association, representing Victorian country brokers.

In July, Insight appointed professional director David Herlihy as its first independent chairman, charged with steering the group through its next phase of development.