New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation has appointed former Earthquake Commission boss Sid Miller as chief executive.

Mr Miller will take up the position on September 21, with deputy chief executive for corporate and finance Stewart McRobie acting in the role until then.

Chair Jan Dawson says the appointment comes as the public no-fault accidental injury compensation scheme seeks to build on progress made under its turnaround plan.

“The board has worked with ACC’s minister to set ambitious targets for the organisation to put clients first, get injured New Zealanders back to work faster and restore the scheme’s financial health,” she said.

Ms Dawson says the ACC has delivered a stronger performance over the past year after implementing the first phase of its turnaround plan, but further improvements are needed to meet long-term objectives.

Mr Miller has more than 20 years’ leadership experience across the public and private sectors. He was chief executive of EQC – now known as the Natural Hazards Commission – where he led a major transformation program, and he has held executive roles at ACC, overseeing customer service and claims management.

Ms Dawson says Mr Miller’s understanding of the organisation – combined with international experience and expertise using technology to improve customer outcomes – will be valuable.

Before taking up the ACC position, Mr Miller will step down from some international insurance industry advisory and director roles.

He will retain a directorship with AA Insurance.