AA Insurance has appointed Michelle James (pictured above) as chief executive officer, effective February 2023.

James will join AA Insurance from Tower, where she is currently managing director and part of the executive leadership team. During her six years with Tower, James has held a variety of executive portfolios, including strategy, customer experience, transformation and, most recently, leading the insurer’s direct and digital business. Prior to Tower, James was an executive of Spark Digital and held several senior customer and product leadership roles at Telstra Corporation in Australia.

She will succeed Chris Curtin, who announced his retirement in August after 28 years as CEO of AA Insurance. Simon Hobbs, who held the role of acting CEO over the past year, will resume his role as general manager, operations upon James’s arrival.

“We are delighted to confirm Michelle as AA Insurance’s next chief executive officer,” said Doug McTaggart, AA Insurance board chair. “Michelle is a highly experienced senior executive with a proven track record in delivering innovative customer experiences in a range of sectors on both sides of the Tasman. The appointment of Michelle will enable AA Insurance to build on its outstanding reputation as a trusted insurer committed to going above and beyond for its customers, people and communities.”

“I am excited to step into this role at such a pivotal time for the insurance industry,” James said. “I look forward to working with the AA Insurance team to build on its success and contribute further to an industry that plays such a critical role in the lives and wellbeing of New Zealanders.”