Allianz Partners Australia announced today Christopher McHugh will join the business as CEO on August 2, taking over from Miranda Fennell who has held the role on an interim basis.

Mr McHugh was most recently Suncorp EGM Personal Injury Insurance, with responsibility for managing the insurer’s compulsory third party (CTP), workers’ compensation, travel and life portfolios.

The Allianz-owned business says the incoming CEO has played an active role in shaping industry-leading change in workers’ compensation, CTP and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

It says he has also led a strategy of targeted growth and performance improvement creating one of Australia’s largest personal injury insurers during his time at Suncorp.

“[Mr McHugh] is a highly accomplished leader who brings a strong track record of building successful businesses over the past 19 years in the Australia insurance market,” Allianz Partners Asia Pacific CEO Vinay Surana said.

“[His] experience in leading large multifunction teams and strong strategic capability will be an asset to our local Australia business.”

Allianz Partners Australia says Ms Fennell will resume her role as Chief Risk and Compliance Officer for Australia. She will also take additional responsibility supporting regional strategic projects and transformational growth initiatives across the Asia Pacific region.

“I would like to thank [Ms Fennell] for her leadership,” Mr Surana said. “She has been instrumental in steering the transformation of our business through a challenging period.”

Ms Fennell took up the role after former CEO Matthew Clayton left early this year to join Auto & General as Chief Product Officer.