Mr Searles, who moved from his role as general manager, broker and agent at CGU, will succeed Lach McKeough in the role.
"The first priority going forward is to execute our current strategy, which the board fully supports. This includes focusing on the delivery of business operations to support the brokerage network with lower cost solutions and really looking at maximising efficiencies," Mr Searles said.
"I'll also be conducting a review of value add opportunities that can be leveraged to benefit the Austbrokers network on my arrival. I have the experience and skills to lead Austbrokers and its continual development.
"I am really looking forward to the challenge of leading Austbrokers into the future. Lach and his team have really built an incredible business over the years which has grown and performed extremely strongly," he said.
Departing chief executive Mr McKeough said he will assist with the transition plus help the board and Mr Searles with acquisitions going forward.
"Over the years since the company has been listed we have made a number of acquisitions. We have a fairly cashed-up balance sheet and large credit available, and we're still looking out there for opportunities," Austbrokers chairman Richard Longes said.
He explained that after a significant search, Mr Searles was appointed to the position and was "the right person to drive the company forwards from here".
Ausbrokers has a total turnover of over $1.2 billion in general insurance premiums, and over $200 million in funds under management.
