Broker group Insight Australia Group has appointed professional director David Herlihy as its first independent chairman.

Mr Herlihy has 30 years’ experience working as a director, which includes chairing ASX-listed companies and serving on company boards across a range of industries, including financial services. He has also worked on a consultancy basis with insurance companies, brokers and underwriters.

He replaces Brisbane broker Danny Gumm, who will remain chairman of the superseded Insight Insurance Brokers Association as it goes through run-off until June 30 next year.

Mr Herlihy told insuranceNEWS.com.au he is looking forward to building on Insight’s strategy of delivering services to shareholders, particularly in education.

He says the new company offers shareholders better services and more specialised products, and will help them be more competitive and have a better relationship with suppliers.

Although the association was very well run, Insight’s next stage will be “very exciting”, he says.

“There are opportunities the association can’t deliver on as well as a corporation can, particularly in our relationships with insurance companies and shareholders.”

Insight Executive Officer Bill Friend says Mr Herlihy “will bring a whole new perspective to our strategic planning”.