A global restructure of XL Catlin will boost innovation and decision-making processes in the Australian operation, according to Regional CEO Asia-Pacific Craig Langham.

The restructure, announced last week by CEO Mike McGavick, will see the group’s property and casualty operations split into four business units “aligned principally to their patterns of distribution and client focus”.

They are Global Lines, International, North America and Global Reinsurance.

“We see this new model as a better way of working, part of our continuous improvement culture,” Mr Langham told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “We here in Australia… especially those who are market-facing colleagues, expect it will boost innovation and speed up decision-making processes.

“[This] will allow us to better serve brokers, clients and other trading partners.”

While no role changes have been announced in XL Catlin’s Asia-Pacific region, the group has made a number of leadership changes that will take effect on January 1.

Among them is the appointment to CEO Client and Country Management of Kelly Lyles, who is the cover subject in the current issue of Insurance News (the magazine).

Reinsurance CEO Greg Hendrick will become President, Property and Casualty, and Chief Underwriting Officer Paul Brand will lead a new internal innovation team called Accelerate.

The restructure replaces the operating model adopted when XL merged with Catlin early last year.

Mr McGavick says the new model will “simplify decision-making and create clearer leadership and accountability”.

“Wherever possible, underwriting decisions will be closer to the client and broker and with a simplified review process, giving us a greater ability to respond to market opportunities and drive innovation,” he said.

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