The world’s largest automotive glass repair and replacement company, Belron International, has appointed a new CEO to head its businesses in Australia and New Zealand.

Ian Collinson will be responsible for O’Brien Glass Industries, including Windscreens O’Brien, O’Brien Glass, Australian Autoglass, and Smith & Smith Autoglass NZ.

He takes over from retiring CEO Stan Robertson, who has headed the company since 1982, effective from October 23.

Mr Collinson, a New Zealander, will report to Belron’s London-based chief executive officer Gary Lubner.

Mr Collinson’s early career was in sales and marketing with Mobil and Black & Decker, before spending almost 10 years with Lion Nathan.

He was managing director of Lion Breweries in NZ before taking up a post as managing director for Lion Nathan Europe.

More recently Mr Collinson was CEO of a major NZ public sector organisation preparing it for privatisation. His most recent position was as CEO for an international sporting event infrastructure facility.

Belron’s London-based CEO Gary Lubner joined Mr Collinson in praising outgoing CEO Stan Robertson for his strong leadership.

"Stan has introduced many new ideas into the business and has made significant improvements to performance in an extremely competitive market," he said.

In recent years Mr Robertson led the expansion of the business into New Zealand and was responsible for the successful acquisition of Smith and Smith Autoglass.

Australia’s largest automotive glass service specialist, Windscreens O’Brien enjoys by far the strongest brand recognition in its industry.

It provides replacement windscreens, side and rear glass, windscreen repair and automotive glass accessory services.

Australian Autoglass is responsible for replacement windscreen manufacture, distribution and wholesale from its Sydney headquarters.

O’Brien Glass is Australia’s leading glass replacement company serving commercial and consumer needs, and is the preferred service provider for most major underwriters.