Zurich will bring its general and life insurance operations together under one leadership team as it moves to a “simpler” structure.

The development is the “acceleration and globalisation” of work already under way in Switzerland, Germany and Italy, the insurer says.

“This new organisation will be more agile and more accountable, with a clearer line of sight between the top of the company and the people looking after our customers,” Group CEO Mario Greco said on Friday.

“We will approach our target customers with a unified and distinctive face to the market.

“We will prioritise sound customer outcomes and in so doing ensure that the business delivers consistent levels of profitability.”

A spokesman for the Australian business told insuranceNEWS.com.au regional updates would be provided “at the appropriate time”.

“It is very much business as usual as we work through the proposed global changes,” she said.

Zurich will implement a new “customer-oriented” management structure in which the heads of regions (North America; Europe, Middle East and Africa; Latin America; Asia Pacific), Global Corporate, Farmers and Investment Management will report to Mr Greco.

In an internal note to staff, Mr Greco listed Asia Pacific CEO Stuart Spencer with an “ad interim” qualification, which Zurich declined to explain to insuranceNEWS.com.au.

Zurich is also creating a chief operating officer role, combining responsibility for operations and technology with underwriting, claims, reinsurance, actuarial and pricing.

It says this will create “a unified sense of purpose and responsibility for technical excellence, efficiency and business transformation across all parts of the business”.

In his note, Mr Greco says the new structure becomes effective on July 1, with regional and functional details finalised by September.

“We have to refocus on truly being one company, breaking down the silos, acting as one team,” he said.

“We have to continue to do what we can to rebuild the market’s trust and confidence.

“The business has started improving on profitability in recent months, as evidenced by 2016 first-quarter results.

“These changes will reinforce this positive momentum and lead the way towards our future strategy to be unveiled in November 2016.”