CGU has announced a series of changes to its leadership team to better enable it “to deliver against its business strategy, now and in future”, CEO Peter Harmer says.

Current GM Corporate Darren Maher will retain his existing role while also taking up the new position of Chief Underwriting Officer, with responsibility for the actuarial pricing and reinsurance and capital teams.

Mr Harmer says the new role “reflects CGU’s increased and ongoing focus on underwriting discipline across the business”.

GM Retail Mark Searles has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer in addition to his current duties. The company’s newly formed business development centre will report to Mr Searles.

Donna Walker has been appointed GM Claims and Chief Actuary, ensuring “a stronger connection between these key areas”, Mr Harmer said.

Current IAG Group Chief Information Officer Neil Whiteing has been appointed as CGU Chief Operating Officer, overseeing business operations, business technology services, HR and legal.

In addition, CGU has announced two new leadership team positions which are currently vacant.

It is yet to fill the roles of chief financial officer and GM Corporate Office, which will be responsible for the strategy and marketing and communication teams.

In other changes, GM Workers’ Compensation Craig Olsen has been seconded to IAG’s Asia division, taking on a senior role that has not yet been defined, to help IAG boost its Asian footprint. He will be replaced by Ben Bessell.

Malcolm Freeman will continue as GM Financial Institutions & Affinity, and Stuart Chapman remains GM Swann Insurance.

“I have made these changes to increase and expand CGU’s capabilities in key areas at the most senior level and ensure our structure best positions us to drive profitable growth now and in future,” Mr Harmer said.