Despite dealing with around $4.5 billion of claims, the company has not stood still with its growth plans, acquiring troubled AMI in the fallout from the quakes and more recently Lumley Insurance.
Johnson's recognition as New Zealand Herald Business Leader of the Year stems from her strong leadership and ability to move the company from strength to strength even through the assimilation of those businesses it has acquired. As a finalist in this year's Deloitte Top 200 executive of the year award, the judges described her as a natural leader who had driven a courageous strategy to buy up languishing competitors in a "hard as nails" industry.
"Acquiring competitors to grow is a valid growth strategy and IAG NZ has had to put runs on the board - the results are good," they noted at the time.
But Johnson remains humble and said she felt overwhelmed at being recognised.
"I feel very humbled and very privileged."
The Australian is quick to point to her support team in the office and her husband at home as the steady pillars supporting her leadership.
"I think you become a great leader when you have great support around you."
Johnson said being a good business leader was not about going it alone.
"Good leadership is about being able to form good networks."
I think with women it's about understanding that the diversity you bring to the table is more than gender. If you talk that up more than gender you will start to have a bigger impact.
She said taking a collaborate approach allowed for new insights and perspectives and to tap into the resources available. That had been particularly applicable in Christchurch, where many of the solutions had come from people within her team.
"You don't have to solve it all yourself. All our people have really stepped up. Most of the solutions have come from them."
Johnson said she had also received a lot of support from the New Zealand business community in her time here.
"Being in New Zealand ... there is something pretty special in the New Zealand environment - it does lead to a more co-operative and collaborative approach."
She will officially leave her current job at the end of the month to move up the ranks in IAG's global business, taking a role as group executive of people, performance and reputation based back in Australia - another sign that her bosses are also happy with her performance.
But it won't be the last New Zealand will see of Johnson.
"I am staying on the New Zealand board although I will be taking up the global role."
That means Johnson will be back here four times a year to keep tabs on the Kiwi business. She will also help ease new New Zealand IAG chief executive Craig Olsen into the job through a handover role until the company's half-year financial results are out in February.
Johnson is the first woman to receive the accolade and she has a clear message for other females wanting to be leaders.
"I think with women it's about understanding that the diversity you bring to the table is more than gender. "If you talk that up more than gender you will start to have a bigger impact."
Johnson comes from a diverse background.
She 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 told the Herald earlier this year.
"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."
Johnson, one of five children born to working-class English parents who emigrated to Australia when she was 6, was the first in her family to attend university. She initially worked in a hospital in rehabilitation before moving to the factory floors of Ford and BHP Billiton to help prevent workplace injuries. Since then she has garnered more than 25 years' experience working in insurance but claims it was never something she planned to do.
"When did I become an insurance person? I sort of morphed into it."
She said she never targeted being a chief executive.
"I am like a collector of skills. When I go for a role I ask, 'Will I be adding something of value, will I learn something, do I respect the CEO?"'
Johnson also believes it's important to be mindful and know when to take a break to recharge the batteries. She is looking forward to a well-earned break over Christmas and will spend two weeks with her husband and daughter on a trip to Antarctica.
"It's my husband's idea of being uncontactable."
It will also allow her to pursue her passion of photography.
Bio
Jacki Johnson Chief executive IAG New Zealand.
Age: 52.
Born: England. Moved to Australia when she was 6 years old.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy, Graduate Diploma in Safety Science and an Executive MBA.
Married with one daughter who is 25.
Has been with IAG since 2001, officially head of the New Zealand business since November 2010.
What others say
Tim Grafton, chief executive of the Insurance Council of New Zealand
Tim Grafton says Johnson is a tremendous leader who has the ability to connect with people regardless of their position.
"Even though she is connected at the very highest level, she has a very humble demeanour that allows her to connect with someone at any level."
Grafton says in New Zealand she has put industry issues above competition to address some of the toughest problems ever seen in the wake of the Canterbury earthquake disaster.
"What she has done here in New Zealand will be very sadly missed."
Finance Minister Bill English
Bill English told the Listener that Johnson is a decision-maker.
"She's an Aussie CEO who seems to be able or willing to make some decisions," English said.
"You don't feel like you're dealing with the branch manager."
Judges for the Deloitte 200 executive of the year award
The judges said Johnson has a proven track record as an innovator and displays a a great deal of natural leadership talent.
She came in to lead IAG at what turned out to be the worst possible moment and has had to deal with the Christchurch earthquakes.
Johnson has also driven a courageous strategy to buy up languishing competitors, amalgamating them to plan and drive a very strong performance.
They said: "Acquiring competitors to grow is a valid growth strategy and IAG NZ has had to put runs on the board - the results are good."
IAG New Zealand
• New Zealand's largest general insurer has around 47 per cent market share.
• Brands include NZI, AMI, State and Lumley insurance.
• Employs around 4000 people.
• Underwrites the insurance for some of New Zealand's leading financial institutions including ASB, BNZ, The Co-operative Bank and Westpac.
