Ace Country President for Australia and New Zealand John French is to serve as Chubb Country President for Australia and New Zealand under the merged Ace-Chubb global entity, which will operate under the Chubb name.

Former Chubb Australia CEO Matthew Doquile will be Chubb COO Australia and New Zealand and Head of Southern Region, covering Victoria, SA and WA.

Swiss insurer Ace completed the $US28.3 billion ($40 billion) acquisition of US rival Chubb – announced in July last year – on January 15.

In Australia Ace and Chubb are still separate legal entities, but the integration process is under way and they will start operations under one management structure on April 1.

An internal memo signed by Mr French and Mr Doquile says the merger creates a “global insurance leader operating in 54 countries under the renowned Chubb name”.

“At our core, both Ace and Chubb are underwriters; we share a passion for the art and science of underwriting,” the memo says.

“Together… [we] form the basis for what we believe is superior insurance craftsmanship.”

In other leadership appointments at the new Chubb, Scott Simpson, current Chubb Melbourne Branch Manager, will be Head of Northern Region, covering NSW and Queensland.

Peter Kelaher, Chubb Product Manager, Directors’ and Officers’, Employment Practices Liability and Crime, Specialty Insurance, will be Head of Property and Casualty.

Lesley Jacques Head of Accident and Health.

Greg Hicks, current Chubb Regional Manager, Personal Lines, will be Head of Personal Lines, in addition to his previously announced role as Senior VP High Net Worth, Asia-Pacific.

Chris Madell, current Ace Financial Lines Manager, will be Head of Global Broker Unit.

Jason Hawksworth, current Chubb National and Sydney Independent Broker Team Manager, will be Head of the Independent Broker Unit.

James Flaskett, current Chubb Regional Manager Claims, will be Head of Claims.

“With these leadership appointments in place, we will deliver continuity, expanded offerings to the market and excellence in claims,” Mr French said.