Ando Insurance CEO John Lyon will become executive chair of the New Zealand underwriting agency’s board, and will be succeeded by COO Therese Singleton.

Mr Lyon says the new role will allow him to “focus more on strategic priorities and deepen our broker relationships … something I’m particularly looking forward to”.

He says Ms Singleton has had a significant impact since joining the business in March 2022.  

She has led “several key operational areas and projects and is the perfect person to step into the CEO role”, Mr Lyon said on LinkedIn this afternoon.

Before joining Ando, Ms Singleton was Resolution Life New Zealand CEO and chief claims officer for Resolution Life Australasia.

“[She] brings exceptional leadership and deep industry experience across all areas of financial services in New Zealand,” Mr Lyon said. “She has my full support, along with the unanimous backing of our board and shareholders.”

Mr Lyon, who co-founded the agency and has been CEO for 10 years, also announced that Timothy Riding is now part of the executive line-up as head of portfolio and underwriting.  

“Tim is one of the founding members of the team and brings deep expertise and insight that will further strengthen our leadership group,” Mr Lyon said. “These changes reflect our confidence in Ando’s future and our commitment to delivering the very best for our broker partners and customers. The transition will take effect from October 1 ... and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”

Ms Singleton says she will “continue the work that John and the team have started in New Zealand. As we move to the next phase of our business and double down our efforts to support our brokers through technology and true business partnerships, the Ando vision continues.”

Ando has more than $NZ500 million ($443 million) annual gross written premium across personal and commercial lines.

It is an underwriting and claims agent of Hollard, a Lloyd’s coverholder and has an underwriting agreement with HDI Global Specialty.

Last May, Envest Group acquired a stake in the agency.