NM Insurance CEO Lyndon Turner is the new Chairman of the Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC), stepping up from deputy chairman.

He was appointed at the AGM in Sydney last week following Heath Amber’s decision to step down after a year in the role. Mr Amber, a director of Millennium Underwriting Agencies, remains on the board.

Mr Turner was re-elected to the board along with Company Secretary Peter Fryer (XL Catlin), Peter Marshall (ProRisk) and Kurt Nilsen (Lion Underwriting). Each was elected for another two-year term. Mr Nilsen has become Deputy Chairman.

Noting UAC’s strong position as the industry’s peak body, Mr Amber says his decision to step down as chairman will enable “continued renewal of leadership and direction”.

Among Mr Amber’s highlights this year were an increase in business service members from 26 to 31; seven expos across Australia and, for the first time, in New Zealand; and a record 22 professional development events in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland.

UAC now represents 106 agencies in Australia and New Zealand.

This year, Auckland-based International Underwriting Agencies Director of Property and Casualty Mike Street was appointed an associate director, as was Lloyd’s General Representative Chris Mackinnon.