CGU Insurance has merged its broker and agent business with the workers’ compensation division.

Ben Bessell, currently GM Workers’ Compensation, will run the expanded group.

CEO Peter Harmer says Mr Bessell “has an impressive track record in driving profitable growth and building strong partnerships with intermediaries”.

“Under his leadership, our workers’ compensation business has delivered an outstanding contribution to our improved financial performance.”

Before running the workers’ compensation business Mr Bessell was CGU’s GM Claims.

That experience “will also be key to us delivering a holistic approach to the way we service our brokers and authorised representatives”, Mr Harmer said.

The appointment follows the departure of GM Broker & Agent Mark Searles to become CEO of Austbrokers.

“Mr Searles’ departure creates an opportunity to accelerate the changes we have been making through the transition to our one CGU operating model,” Mr Harmer said.

“It enables us to better integrate workers’ compensation sales and distribution into the broader broker and agency channel.”