The surprise temporary move by high-profile IAG executive Peter Harmer from CEO Commercial to a new role will see technology coming into sharper focus at the giant insurer.

That’s the view of insiders, who have also suggested to insuranceNEWS.com.au the appointment of Mr Harmer to a vital but temporary role may be the first move in enacting the succession plan of Group CEO Mike Wilkins.

As reported in an insuranceNEWS.com.au Breaking News on Thursday, the move was one of a number of top-level changes announced by Group CEO Mike Wilkins.

Mr Harmer will become Chief Digital Officer and will continue to report directly to Mr Wilkins. Commercial division Chief Commercial Officer Ben Bessell will act as CEO Commercial Insurance until around the end of the year.

“Peter is highly regarded inside and outside the company for the way he has revitalised the commercial division, and he’s passionate about the role of technology in insurance,” one well-placed source said.

“His focus on establishing the strategy and framework will help enhance what we are already doing in the digital space,” a spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“The use of technology across IAG is massive, and this is all about bringing it under one umbrella.”

The spokesman declined to comment on conjecture that Mr Harmer may not return to the commercial insurance division at the completion of his assignment around the end of the year.

The other changes at IAG are based around the impending retirement of Chief Risk Officer Justin Breheny, who will be replaced next month by Acting Chief Strategy Officer Clayton Whipp.

Leona Murphy will become Chief Strategy Officer while retaining her current responsibility for managing IAG’s new operating model strategy and the integration of the former Wesfarmers insurance business.