Melanie Gorham has been appointed CEO of the Insurance Brokers Association of New Zealand (IBANZ), replacing Gary Young.

Mr Young is retiring after 14 years in the role, and 35 years working in insurance. Before joining IBANZ he was CEO of the New Zealand operations of UK-based broker Heath Lambert, which was acquired by Marsh in 2004.

IBANZ says in a statement that Ms Gorham was formerly head of claims NZPAC at QBE. She spent seven years at QBE, and prior to that worked at Willis Towers Watson and Marsh.

Ms Gorham collaborated with the Insurance Council of New Zealand to compile submissions to government. The experience she has gained in this area will be a key part of the new CEO role, which takes effect next Monday.

“Change management and project management have been fundamental to many of her roles,” IBANZ says. “These skills will be vital as our membership faces a rapidly changing business and regulatory environment.”