The Global Federation of Insurance Associations (GFIA) has named US-based Susan Neely as President and New Zealand’s Tim Grafton as Vice President.

Ms Neely, President and CEO of the American Council of Life Insurers begins a two-year term after taking over from Insurance Bureau of Canada President and CEO Don Forgeron.

Insurance Council of New Zealand CEO Mr Grafton has served for four years on the executive committee of the organisation, which has 40 member associations. The group represents insurers and reinsurers from 67 countries, accounting for around 90% of total insurance premiums worldwide.

Mr Grafton says GFIA liaises with the International Association of Insurance Supervisors and makes contributions on key issues globally, including climate change. Next year it will release a report on insurance protection gaps.

“It is a great opportunity to share ideas,” he tells insuranceNEWS.com.au. “One of the real values of the association is that you have cross-jurisdictional collaboration and understanding of issues.”