Wesfarmers has confirmed recent speculation surrounding the future of its Australian underwriting CEO Vivek Bhatia, announcing that Mr Bhatia has left the business as part of a management restructure.

As reported in our Breaking News alert last week, the departure of Mr Bhatia was caused by a new strategy to “simplify decision-making processes”.

Under the strategy Wesfarmers Insurance (WI) MD Rob Scott will assume responsibility for Australian underwriting.

Mr Scott says the positions of WFI CEO John Ripepi, Lumley CEO John Nagle and Affinity and Direct CEO Stuart Blake are not affected by the change.

“We’ve flattened the leadership structure, but there will be no change to the leadership of the key businesses – Lumley, WFI and the affinity brands area,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“I would like to thank Vivek for his significant contribution since joining our group in 2007. He has been instrumental in the turnaround of Lumley, new initiatives in personal lines and the alignment of our Australian underwriting operations.”

“Vivek has been a strong contributor to the WI leadership team and I wish him the best with future endeavours,” Mr Scott said.