The Insurance Brokers Association of New Zealand (IBANZ) is initiating a search for new leadership, with current chief executive Mel Gorham (pictured) set to step down on June 26 after five years at the helm.
The association confirmed it has engaged Artemis Executive Recruitment to conduct the selection process for the incoming CEO.
IBANZ president Neil Cousins said Gorham’s tenure coincided with a critical phase of regulatory development within the financial services sector. During that time, Gorham represented the association in numerous consultations and formal submissions related to industry reform.
“Mel’s leadership coincided with a significant period of legislative change in the financial services industry. Her work in helping draft and present numerous submissions to government has resulted in better outcomes for insurance consumers and the broking industry as consumer advocates,” he said.
Cousins also pointed to enhancements made under Gorham’s leadership in the area of professional development. He said the continuing professional development (CPD) program had been updated to reflect ongoing shifts in the insurance landscape and membership expectations.
He noted that with much of the recent legislative work now complete, the organisation is entering a new phase, which includes identifying a successor to guide IBANZ through the next phase of its strategic goals.
“Mel will leave IBANZ in a stronger position than when she joined us five years ago, and we wish her the best for her future endeavours,” Cousins said.
Gorham brought nearly three decades of insurance experience to the role. Before joining IBANZ in 2020, she held multiple leadership roles at QBE, including head of claims NZPAC, and was involved in distribution, relationship management, and project oversight, including work in Hong Kong.
At the outset of her tenure, Gorham identified legislative engagement and alignment with industry stakeholders as her initial priorities. Her leadership included responding to regulatory changes affecting insurance advisers and developing training that supported compliance and professional standards.
More recently, IBANZ has highlighted concerns related to natural hazard risks and their effect on insurance coverage in high-demand residential areas. The association identified locations such as Papamoa, Southshore in Christchurch, and Morrinsville in Waikato – areas that have been ranked as popular among homebuyers – as particularly exposed.
Gorham said properties in these areas may be subject to environmental risks such as erosion, flooding, or land movement. In such cases, local authorities may issue Natural Hazard Section Notices under Section 72 of the Building Act, which disclose these risks on the property title.
She added that some insurers may withhold claim approval until the commission confirms its contribution, which could delay or limit payouts.
“This could leave the property owner with no cover at all for what is likely to be the most significant natural hazard their property faces,” Gorham said.
