The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance’s new CEO will prioritise expansion in Asia, group President Jonathon Fox says.

Prue Willsford, GM Corporate Operations at State Trustees, will take over from outgoing chief Joan Fitzpatrick on October 23.

She will oversee “continued improvement” and be “very focused on our expansion into Asia”, Mr Fox told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“Later in the year she will be taking a trip to China with Joan. This is a very important part of the handover.”

Mr Fox says Asia is “ripe for the picking. Joan has forged the way for [the institute] and the opportunity is there for Prue to expand further into China and Asian communities.”

He says the board wanted a CEO with leadership capabilities, credibility and the ability to build relationships. It is “absolutely delighted” with the outcome.

Mr Fox introduced Ms Willsford at the Australian Insurance Awards last week.

She has more than 20 years’ experience in the financial services sector, including roles at Macquarie Bank, Colonial Mutual and NAB. She is Deputy Chancellor of Victoria University and a board member at Citywide Service Solutions.