Suncorp MD and CEO Steve Jones has resigned from the company. His decision to go, announced yesterday, follows the successful integration of the GIO general insurance operation.

He was originally set to depart in 2004, but yesterday said his resignation has been brought forward because “the time is right for me to move on”. Reports said Mr Jones doesn’t want to stay on for a further contract.

Mr Jones had been CEO of the combined Suncorp Metway group since its creation in December 1996. He steered the group through its initial integration and the acquisition of GIO, which many doubted the smaller Suncorp operation could swallow without damage.

But Mr Jones is happy, and says the company “will enter its next phase of growth”. He said the timeframe of the company’s next strategic plan “extends well beyond” the balance of his contract. “I firmly believe a chief executive charged with implementing a strategic vision must be instrumental in its design,” he said.

For the time being, CFO Chris Skilton has been appointed as interim CEO until a new replacement is found.

Suncorp Chairman John Lamble said Mr Jones “led the very successful integration”. Since then the capitalisation of the company has increased from about $2.2 billion to more than $6 billion.