Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) has appointed Financial Advice NZ CEO Katrina Shanks as its next chief executive.
Ben Bessell, ANZIIF president, said: “I am delighted that Katrina will be joining ANZIIF. 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.”
Shanks 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.”
“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,” Shanks added.
Shanks has spent much of her career in financial services. She started her career in Audit, spending time at Newton Fund Management in London before joining Westpac Trust.
She also ran her own small accountancy business for seven years, after which she was the financial controller for the New Zealand National Party.
More recently, Shanks has been the CEO of Financial Advice NZ for five years, becoming a major voice for the industry in its lobbying efforts during significant legislative and regulatory changes.
Shanks will be relocating from New Zealand to Melbourne to start her new role in the coming months and will be working with outgoing CEO Prue Willsford on a transition plan. She starts her new job in January.
