Macquarie Pacific Funding has appointed Rachael Lavars as its new CEO.
Lavars will now lead Macquarie Pacific Funding’s team spanning both Australia and New Zealand following the departure of Stuart White, who has been CEO for the past two years.
Lavars has extensive experience in the insurance industry and was previously head of Macquarie Premium Funding from 2006 to 2008.
She has been involved in the growth and development of the business since it was established, playing a key role in the acquisition of Pacific Premium Funding in 2013, the company said in a statement.
Most recently, Lavars was head of the insurance broking segment for Macquarie Business Banking.
Macquarie Pacific Funding chairman, Bruce Bollom, said the board was pleased to have such a well-credentialled industry expert appointed to the role.
“Ms Lavars has been instrumental in the creation and development of our premium funding brand in the marketplace and has been involved in the business since it was established,” he said.
“She is a highly-regarded member of the insurance industry and we’re pleased to have her as CEO. On behalf of the board I would also like to thank Stuart for his contribution over the past two years, particularly during the integration of the two businesses,” Bollom said.
Lavars’ depth of experience will assist the business in the delivery of integrated specialist lending and premium funding solutions, along with payments capability that provides operational efficiency for insurance broking clients, the company said.
Lavars is to commence her new role effective immediately.
