Katrina Shanks (pictured), who is leaving Financial Advice New Zealand on November 10 after being at the helm for half a decade, will assume the role of Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) chief executive on January 8, 2024.
In an emailed release, the two-term Member of Parliament said: “ANZIIF is the leading provider of education, training, and development which ensures the insurance and finance sector has the skills, knowledge, and competency to thrive. I am excited to be joining a high-performing team dedicated to enabling the delivery of high-quality education and standards.”
Shanks, whose credentials also include time spent at Newton Fund Management in London and Westpac Trust in NZ, will relocate to Melbourne to take on the ANZIIF CEO post. She will be working on transition plans with outgoing chief Prue Willsford.
“I am delighted that Katrina will be joining ANZIIF,” commented ANZIIF president Ben Bessell. “Katrina has a fantastic background and is experienced in a range of industries and environments. Her tenure in politics and a range of industry associations will provide ANZIIF with the leadership and capability to continue to grow and deliver the strategic objectives of the board and members in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.”
Aside from owning an accountancy business for seven years, Shanks also served as the financial controller for the New Zealand National Party for two years. In 2018, she became the inaugural CEO of Financial Advice NZ.
Shanks went on to say: “We know insurance and finance play a pivotal role in people’s lives to ensure they have financial resilience and freedom at every life stage. ANZIIF plays an important role in ensuring that their members are inspired to continue on a journey of lifelong learning to stay relevant and up to date so they can continue to make a difference in people’s lives.
“I am looking forward to being part of this journey with the members.”
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