Kirsten Patterson has been named as the new chief executive for the Institute of Directors (IoD).

A qualified lawyer, she is currently the NZ head of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).

"Good governance makes a difference to our businesses, our economy, and through to our communities," Patterson said.

"In these globally uncertain and changing times, strong governance and leadership is needed now more than ever. The IoD has a significant role to play in ensuring the New Zealand governance community is ready for the challenges ahead and that their voice is heard in the policy debates impacting New Zealand."

IoD president Michael Stiassny​ said her leadership would help drive the IoD's strategies.

"When we began our search for a new chief executive, we needed someone who could take the IoD to another level on its strategic journey with knowledge to drive excellence in corporate governance for directors. It was important to us that the new CEO had the acumen and the gravitas that you would expect from an organisation that stands for the professionalism of directors."

Previously Patterson was the general manager, corporate services at New Zealand Rugby Union where she was responsible for the stakeholder relationship between NZRU, the Government and Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd to host the Rugby World Cup 2011.

This article was originally sourced from Stuff.co.nz