Former Promina boss Mike Wilkins has joined IAG in the newly created role of COO as part of a shake-up of the insurer's management structure.

Mr Wilkins will report directly to IAG CEO Michael Hawkins, with the CEOs of IAG's various operating businesses in turn reporting to Mr Wilkins, who will also assume the position of Deputy MD and take a seat on IAG's board.

Mr Hawker says Mr Wilkins will "enable me to focus on growth strategies while he looks after day-to-day business".

But he denies Mr Wilkins is being groomed as his successor. He says Mr Wilkins is the most "logical internal candidate" to take over as CEO but he hasn't been brought in with that understanding.

He also denies that the board forced the appointment on him and yesterday predicted he will see out his current term.

"I am very confident that I will serve out the three-year term," he said. "The board has asked me to stay on for three years."

Under the new structure, Mr Hawker will have four direct reports: Group CFO George Venardos, Group CRO and Actuary Tony Coleman, Executive Corporate Development, People and Performance Christine McLoughlin, and Mr Wilkins.

Mr Wilkins left his role as Promina CEO in March this year following Suncorp's $7.9 billion takeover of the insurer. He worked for six months as a paid consultant to Suncorp.