Youi incoming CEO Nathaniel Simpson, who takes over the top job in July from Hugo Schreuder, has appointed Steve Nichols to the role of CIO.

Mr Simpson says Australia’s competitive insurance market demands expert technology and the appointment will be critical for the insurer.

"A challenger like Youi has to be extremely smart about how we use digital solutions to underpin core functions in our business, as well as to make it easier for our customers to interact with us,” he said.

Brisbane-based Mr Nichols has been CIO at Shell Energy Australia for two years, and formerly held roles at Telstra, NBN Co and ERM Power.