Insurance group Auto & General has hired John Myler as CEO of its Australian business.

He will start in January, taking over from Ram Kangatharan, who has been promoted to Group MD and CEO for Asia Pacific.

Mr Myler was most recently RACQ Insurance CEO, a position he held for about two years until his resignation in June. Before joining the Brisbane-based mutual insurer he was CEO of Allianz Global Assistance Australia and New Zealand.

“His extensive experience and significant contribution to the insurance industry means he is a perfect fit for our growing business,” Mr Kangatharan said in a statement.

Mr Kangatharan told insuranceNEWS.com.au that the Australian business, which is part of South African-owned Budget Insurance Group, is growing rapidly.

Gross written premium is expected to exceed $1 billion this financial year for the first time, he says.

Auto & General underwrites the insurance operations of Budget Direct, 1st for Women, Ozicare, Australia Post, Virgin Money and ING, and most recently announced a deal to underwrite car insurance for Qantas.

The airline will expand into home insurance next year, again in partnership with Auto & General.