QBE Interim MD Australia Frank Costigan has left the company as Sue Houghton takes up her position as Australia and Pacific CEO tomorrow.

Mr Costigan joined in 2018 as Chief Customer Officer Personal Lines, appointed by former group CEO Pat Regan.

He stepped up to run the local operations on an interim basis following the departure of Vivek Bhatia last year, but shortly afterwards Mr Regan himself left suddenly.

Westpac’s Ms Houghton was recruited to run the Australia Pacific division on a permanent basis, starting tomorrow, while Beazley’s Andrew Horton steps into the Group CEO role in September.

“Frank Costigan has decided to leave QBE,” a company spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“Since joining in 2018, Frank has made a significant impact on the business and we thank him and wish him all the best for the future.”

QBE says two other interim executive positions have now been made permanent – Eleanor Debelle as Chief Customer Officer, Personal Lines, and Shiona Watson as Chief Human Resources Officer, AUSPAC.

Before joining QBE Mr Costigan was Youi Australia and New Zealand CEO, and prior to that held senior roles at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance and IAG.