The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) announced at its annual general meeting (AGM) that Ben Bessell, Austbrokers chief broking officer, has taken the role of ANZIIF president, effective immediately.
Bessell has been the ANZIIF deputy president since May 20, 2021. His acceptance of the presidency follows Tim Plant, IAG chief insurance and strategy officer, stepping down at the end of his two-year ANZIIF term.
“It is a privilege to be elected president of ANZIIF, an organisation that has a critical role to play across the Asia-Pacific Region. I look forward to working with the board and management to ensure strategic objectives are achieved and to contribute toward the ongoing professionalism of the industry,” Bessell said.
ANZIIF CEO Prue Willsford, who will step down from her role after 10 years of service, paid tribute to Plant.
“Tim has been a gracious and insightful strategic leader on our board for two years now and has seen ANZIIF through significant transition periods. The support and expertise that Tim has brought to the board has been outstanding,” Willsford said.
ANZIIF announced at the AGM that Scott Leney, head of risk management for Asia and Pacific and country corporate officer for Australia at Marsh & McLennan, will replace Bessell as the deputy president.
During the year, Hilary Bates, chief operating officer of Zurich, also joined the ANZIIF board – replacing Megan Beers, who retired from the ANZIIF board at the AGM.
“We are pleased to welcome Hilary to the ANZIIF board,” said Willsford. “She brings with her a wealth of experience and will add significant value to ANZIIF and the insurance industry.”
Commenting on Beer's retirement, Willsford said: “We have been very fortunate to have had Megan on the ANZIIF board since 2015. ANZIIF and the entire team have greatly benefited from Megan's advice, knowledge, and over 25 years of industry experience.”
