New Zealand-based PIC Insurance Brokers has appointed Kristen Garner as its new chief executive officer, confirming its status as a family-owned and locally operated business.
Garner (pictured), who has spent nearly two decades with the company, will officially step into the role on Jan. 6.
Garner’s tenure with PIC spans 18 years, during which she held key positions such as chief broking operations officer and head of product and process.
She succeeds interim CEO Bruce Morrison, who has led the company over the past 10 months and will now return to his role as chair of the board.
Garner’s connection to the company is personal – her late father, Mike Garner, founded PIC Insurance Brokers in 1989.
Garner said PIC was committed to fostering strong partnerships and delivering quality service to clients.
“I’m proud to accept this opportunity and honoured to continue Dad’s legacy at PIC,” she said. “Our focus remains on building strong relationships with our partners and providing exceptional service to our clients, many of whom have been with us for over 20 years.”
The company has prioritised long-term investments, including upgrading its operational systems, to improve services and enhance customer relationships.
“I’d like to congratulate Kristen on her appointment, and [I] look forward to seeing the business go from strength to strength under her leadership,” Morrison said.
The appointment comes after PIC strengthened its international footprint by becoming the sole New Zealand member of the Worldwide Broker Network (WBN). This affiliation places PIC among more than 150 independent brokerage firms operating in over 100 countries.
The move expands PIC’s access to global markets, complementing its existing partnerships with the Global Broker Network (GBN) and the Asia Australia Alliance (AAA).
WBN’s focus on property-casualty and employee benefits insurance is expected to enhance PIC’s ability to serve multinational clients.
WBN CEO Olga Collins welcomed PIC to the network, emphasising the strategic role of New Zealand in the Asia-Pacific region.
By joining WBN, PIC aims to deliver integrated services to clients navigating complex global insurance requirements while maintaining its focus as an independent, locally owned firm.
