Business Leader of the Year nominee: Jacki Johnson

Jacki Johnson says she now knows Christchurch better than any other part of the country.

This week we are celebrating excellence in leadership as we publish the nominees for the 2015 Business Leader of the Year. The winner will be revealed on Saturday in the Weekend Herald.

IAG New Zealand chief executive Jacki Johnson arrived in New Zealand from Australia in 2010 right after the first Christchurch earthquake. It has, without a doubt, been one of the most intense periods for local insurers and has presented a range of challenges for the business.

The Business Leader of the Year finalist says she now knows Christchurch better than any other part of the country. But she hasn't allowed the quakes to stall the development of the business and her team.

"We just couldn't park our business and say we'll get back to your development plans in five years. We've used it as an opportunity to grow people."

A finalist this year in the Deloitte Top 200 Executive of the Year category, the judges were impressed with IAG's acquisition strategy as well as Johnson's leadership.

Johnson began her career in behavioural science as an occupational therapist and then with a safety science degree before heading into the corporate and executive world.

"I think that was an unusual blend to hit what I then faced. It has allowed me to care deeply about people and understand people's motivations and what we need to do to galvanise people," Johnson says.

"One of my direct reports calls it firm but fair," she says of her management style. "They always say they wouldn't die wondering. I give them clarity, but allow them to take responsibility and accountability."