New Insight CEO David McKinnis says he will bring stability to the organisation but is prepared to tackle challenges “head-on”.

He told insuranceNEWS.com.au his priorities are building relationships with insurers and members, and making sure partnerships provide value.

Mr McKinnis was appointed to the position last week. He says he does not intend to implement large-scale, immediate change but “there are plenty of challenges”.

“My experience is that if an organisation isn’t facing some challenges, then perhaps it is not pushing boundaries.”

Communication is vital to deliver on group members’ most important needs, he says.

Mr McKinnis also wants to help tackle the reputation of the “much maligned” insurance industry.

“Most of us fall into insurance, but my desire is to see young people join the industry because they want to. I want our industry to be considered a profession, which is something we struggle with at the moment.”

Mr McKinnis’ previous role was MD of business development company Profit Improvers, but he has spent most of his career in the insurance industry, including senior positions at Allianz, Wesfarmers Insurance and Stream Group.

He has also been an active participant in industry forums, particularly through the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance.

Insight Chairman David Hosking says Mr McKinnis’ appointment takes effect immediately.

“We’re genuinely excited to have David aboard to help us ‘get serious’ about what we should be doing,” he said. “The board knows where it wants to go with the organisation, and now we are confident we have the right person to drive it forward.”