Tower Insurance announced today it has appointed London-based Aviva executive Blair Turnbull as CEO, taking over from Richard Harding.

Mr Turnbull will start on August 1, with his appointment subject to the completion of the regulatory approvals process.

At Aviva, he is MD UK Digital & Retail, UK and International. Before that, he was EGM Wealth and Insurance with ABS Bank in Auckland..

Mr Turnbull is from Southland in New Zealand and has more than 25 years’ industry experience largely focused on New Zealand, Asia Pacific and the UK.

“[Mr Turnbull] has an enviable CV, achieving outstanding results for the national and international organisations for whom he has worked,” Tower Chairman Michael Stiassny said. “Importantly, he has a proven global track record in large-scale digital and data innovation, and delivering disruptive, customer-focused models.

The incoming CEO says he will focus on ramping up the New Zealand insurer’s modernisation program “through leveraging digital and data, being lean and agile in delivery, and championing a culture that is diverse, talent-led and synonymous with innovation”.

Tower has said it wants the next CEO to strengthen the insurer’s digital capabilities.

Mr Harding, who features in the current edition of Insurance News magazine, announced last year his intention to leave Tower and return to Sydney.