Who got that job?

Job title: Manager New Zealand

For: EIG-Ansvar

Larry Small of Executive Appointments describes the 50 applications he received for this job as "small but select."

It was a rare opportunity, he says, as the previous incumbent had held the position for 18 years.

The job demanded "strong networking abilities, high ethical and professional standards, a strong sales and marketing influence, and knowledge of the insurance industry - a depth of knowledge."

But there is another aspect of the job that makes it unusual. EIG-Ansvar specialises in general insurance for the religious community, including schools and churches.

And the successful candidate, Paul Munton, says the position "fitted with my value system, though it wasn't the key."

If the surname sounds familiar, you're on the right track - Paul Munton's father is the now-retired, Tauranga-based Anglican canon Peter Munton.

In addition, Paul Munton's wife, Tracy, teaches at the Silverdale Christian school Kingsway, which their children Natasha, aged 11, and Richard, 9, attend.

Mr Munton has spent 20 years working in insurance and comes to EIG-Ansvar from Swiss Re, the world's second-largest reinsurer.

At EIG-Ansvar - Ansvar New Zealand before the 1998 takeover by Ecclesiastical Insurance Group of Britain - he plans to exploit new opportunities to extend the company's products and its market, while retaining the base ecclesiastical focus.

"It's exciting," says Mr Munton. "These opportunities are pretty rare in the New Zealand market. It's a small market."

However, he says, he has had a lot of support.