Suncorp has announced the merger of its Commercial and Intermediary Distribution teams as the implications of a new operating model revealed earlier this month work their way through the business.

As insuranceNEWS.com reported previously, former CEO Insurance Gary Dransfield left on July 17 as leadership of the insurance division was split in two, with Lisa Harrison appointed as Insurance Product and Portfolio CEO and Paul Smeaton as COO Insurance.

Now, in a note to brokers, Ms Harrison has provided details on “the next layer” of the leadership team.

The Commercial and Intermediary Distribution teams will be combined “to simplify our structure, create greater clarity and make it easier for you to do business with us”, the note says.

The expanded Commercial team will have accountability for product and pricing, portfolio, and underwriting, including underwritten workers’ compensation and intermediary distribution. Commercial claims will continue to be managed by a specialist team.

EGM Commercial Darren O’Connell will lead the new team, while EGM Intermediaries Andrew Mair will leave the company.

“I know Andrew is well-respected and has been a proud ambassador of our Vero brand for 12 years and we wish him all the very best for the future,” Ms Harrison said.

The note says Suncorp will continue to support brokers “as we work through these changes”.