Young Insurance Professionals (YIPs) Australia and New Zealand has appointed its vice president Katie Stephenson to lead the organisation.

Perth-based President James Smorthwaite stepped down last week after 14 months in the role to focus on his insurance broking career.

Ms Stephenson is a business development specialist at Marsh in Brisbane, She was vice president of YIPs for 12 months. She has served on the group’s committee for five years and is a former treasurer.