IAG has announced a new commercial insurance leadership team following its Wesfarmers acquisition and reorganisation of the Australian business.

Commercial Insurance CEO Peter Harmer says the new line-up “brings together people with extensive insurance experience, a deep knowledge of customer and partner needs and the right qualities to take our business forward to the next level”.

Ben Bessell has been named Chief Commercial Officer, while Donna Walker becomes EGM of Broker Business.

Other appointments include: Phuong Ly, EGM Agencies; Stuart Chapman, EGM Niche & Direct Business; Andrew Ziolkowski, EGM Underwriting; Jen Mitchell, EGM Claims; Andrew Jordan, EGM Strategy, Brand & Risk; Malcolm Freeman, EGM Integration; and Fiona Phillips, EGM Transformation.

Leadership of the niche and direct business has also been confirmed, with John Ripepi continuing to lead WFI, Paul Ayton at Swann Insurance, Carl Johnson running retail business insurance and James How national adviser services.

The appointments formalise the structure that brings IAG together with Wesfarmers Insurance Australian Underwriting. The acquisition of the Wesfarmers business was completed at the end of June.

Mr Harmer says Lumley CEO John Nagle and Wesfarmers Insurance Australian Underwriting CEO David Brown will leave the company.

“David and John have both shown great support for IAG since December’s announcement, allowing our businesses to form a very positive relationship from the outset,” he said.

IAG moved to a new operating model for its Australian operations from July 1, creating personal insurance, enterprise operations and commercial insurance divisions.

Commercial insurance contains operations previously represented by the majority of CGU, Wesfarmers underwriting and retail business insurance that was formerly part of Australia Direct.