IAG New Zealand CEO Amanda Whiting has disclosed the promotion of Rachael O'Brien to the position of chief risk officer (CRO).
O'Brien has filled this role on a provisional basis since July 2023, stepping in amidst a reshaping of the executive team to address the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle and flooding across the North Island.
O'Brien (pictured) previously served as executive manager for risk governance at IAG NZ. She has more than two decades of industry experience, with significant tenures in New Zealand and abroad, including in the UK, Ireland, and the US. Her expertise covers a broad spectrum of risk management aspects, focusing on areas such as regulatory compliance, operational and strategic risk, as well as conduct risk.
As the new CRO, O'Brien's duties include providing second-tier risk management advice and support throughout IAG NZ's operations. Moreover, she will lend an independent viewpoint on risk management strategies to the IAG NZ board.
The announcement also touches on other executive team adjustments.
Wayne Tippet, who had temporarily shifted his focus to leading IAG's disaster response initiatives, is set to return to his original post as executive general manager of claims.
Concurrently, Martin Hunter, who had stepped in for Tippet, will transition to a new role dedicated to advancing IAG's transformation agenda.
These leadership changes are slated for implementation starting July 1. The appointments follow the addition of three non-executive directors to the board.
