AIG has appointed Grant Cairns as CEO AIG Australia, and Head of Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), based in Melbourne and effective from November.

The appointment comes after former AIG Australia CEO Nigel Fitzgerald departed earlier this year to join Steadfast as COO.

Mr Cairns joins AIG from Chubb where he was most recently Head of Property and Casualty, Asia Pacific, and formerly Private Equity Industry Practice Leader, Chubb International and Head of Financial Lines, APAC. 

He has 22 years’ insurance experience across Asia, Europe and Pacific, and AIG says he brings deep commercial, operational and strategic expertise.

He reports to AIG Asia Pacific Regional President Chris Colahan, who says Mr Cairns is a strategic leader with extensive underwriting expertise across multiple lines, with established relationships and a deep understanding of the local market. 

“He has a proven track record for delivering profitable growth, driving customer service excellence, and aligning high performing teams. We are thrilled he is joining AIG,” Mr Colahan said.

Mr Colahan, also based in Melbourne, replaced Singapore-based Steven Barnett in April, who departed after 31 years at the insurer.

Mr Cairns says he is delighted to be joining AIG and looks forward to working with the Australian and New Zealand team to continue to drive sustainable growth. 

“AIG is a world-class business with highly talented colleagues skilled at solving complex problems and committed to delivering quality outcomes. I can’t wait to see what we achieve together,” he said.