Ace and Chubb have unveiled their Australian leadership team as merger preparations continue.

John French, currently Ace’s Country President of Australia and New Zealand, will retain this role in the merged company, which will operate under the Chubb brand.

Reporting to Mr French will be Senior VP and COO Matthew Doquile, who is currently Australia Country Manager for Chubb.

Ace’s Paul McNamee, who retains his Deputy Regional President Asia-Pacific title, will continue to oversee Australia and New Zealand.

“I have every confidence that John French will provide sound leadership during the integration process while also delivering continuity for our clients and business partners,” Mr McNamee said.

“As COO, Matthew Doquile is ideally suited to play a key role in bringing Chubb’s impressive operational platform and product expertise to the new integrated entity.”

Shareholders have approved the merger and the transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of next year.

Chubb and Ace continue to operate as competing companies in the local market until the deal is completed. The companies say planning for integration of the Australian businesses is “progressing well”.