Former Vero NZ CEO Roger Bell is to join the board of the New Zealand Earthquake Commission.

Actuary Alison O’Connell will also become a director following Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee’s decision to add to the board’s insurance expertise.

Dr O’Connell was a senior insurance adviser to the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority last year, having previously worked as Swiss Re head of strategy.

She advises on pension reform, longevity and financial literacy for the New Zealand and UK governments and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Sir Maarten Wevers, former CEO of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, will also join the board. He will become chairman in August, when Michael Wintringham retires along with director Denise Bovaird.

Sir Maarten led the department under two prime ministers and through challenges including the Canterbury quakes. He is a former ambassador to Japan.

Former public servant Mr Wintringham became commission chairman in 2006. Last year he sparked a row with insurers by suggesting they were shifting quake costs to the commission.