New QBE Group CEO John Neal has outlined his priorities for the company going forward, while also signalling that little will change as a result of the change in leadership.

Mr Neal’s first day in the job on Friday coincided with the insurer’s first-half results presentation to investment analysts and media.

He says his five areas of focus for the company are to continue its profitable growth globally in commercial and specialty lines; to leverage the global capabilities of the organisation through greater collaboration; to continue to work hard on developing tomorrow’s insurance talent; to explore ways to use technology more efficiently in the business; and to continue to work with key partners to retain profitable business.

Acknowledging his predecessor, Frank O’Halloran, who served as CEO for 14 years, Mr Neal said: “His vision is our vision and the culture he has embedded in the business is the culture we follow today.”