A North American executive with a “track record in successfully executing on business strategy to deliver to customers and brokers” will take the reins at IAG New Zealand.

Phillip Gibson will begin the national CEO job in March as current chief Amanda Whiting returns to Australia for a new “group role”, according to MD and CEO Nick Hawkins.

Mr Gibson has more than 30 years’ insurance, advisory and technology leadership experience across Canada and the US, including senior roles at Aviva Canada, Allstate and Travelers.

"I'm honoured by the trust, energised by the challenge, and looking forward to joining the IAG New Zealand team and getting to work," he wrote on LinkedIn.

He is currently senior executive adviser with Accenture in Ontario, Canada, according to his LinkedIn. He joined the consultancy after seven years at Aviva.

IAG says Mr Gibson “led a turnaround in Aviva Canada’s personal insurance business, significantly improving customer and broker satisfaction and employee engagement” as EVP and MD of personal insurance and data science.

Mr Hawkins says Ms Whiting “has guided our New Zealand business through significant challenges, including natural disasters, while strengthening our pricing expertise, risk management and retail presence.

“As Amanda prepares to return to Australia into a group role at IAG, I want to thank her for her outstanding and ongoing contribution to IAG.”