Chubb has announced joint leadership of its Consumer Division covering Australia and New Zealand.

Amy McKellar and Michelle O’Dowd will jointly lead the division with immediate effect, reporting to Country President Australia and New Zealand Peter Kelaher.

Ms McKellar, currently Consumer Manager for Australia and New Zealand, is appointed Head of Accident & Health (A&H) for the two countries. She will be responsible for the strategic direction, management, growth, and profitability of the A&H portfolio.

“Chubb's consumer division has seen tremendous growth over the last three years in response to our disciplined underwriting approach and award-winning claims service,” Mr Kelaher said.

He says her “deep expertise” in A&H will enable Chubb to continue meeting the expanding needs and service expectations of this rapidly evolving market.

Ms O’Dowd, who is Head of Personal Risk Services for Australia and New Zealand, will continue to lead the insurer’s growth ambitions for Chubb Home and Chubb Masterpiece for the two markets.

“Chubb is known globally for our expertise in home contents and valuables insurance, offering outstanding cover and award-winning claims service,” Mr Kelaher said.

“Under [her] leadership over the last three years, Chubb has cemented our position as an insurer of choice for individuals and families in Australia and New Zealand whose higher value homes and assets require enhanced cover.”

Ms O'Dowd has worked in several roles across sales and underwriting for Chubb in Canada and Australia.

Ms McKellar, who joined the company in 2006, was regional underwriting manager A&H for the Midwest between 2013 and 2017 before leading Chubb’s A&H portfolios for New York and the Northeast from 2017 to 2019. She returned to Australia last year.