QBE has announced changes to its leadership structure and operating model following the creation of the New Zealand & Pacific region and two key retirements.

Five new business units have been created under the leadership of New Zealand Pacific Chief Customer Officer Andrew Corbett.

The insurer says the changes will “allow us to deliver on our strategy, reflect our new combined NZ and Pacific operations and better align with the broader [Australia Pacific] division”.

Mr Corbett, who was previously GM at Elders Insurance, was appointed after former New Zealand GM Bill Donovan announced his intention in December to retire.

Mr Donovan has now handed over to Mr Corbett, but will continue in the new role of GM Sales and Relationships until he retires late this year. As a result of this change, National Distribution Manager Neil Millar will leave the company.

Sylvain Flore, previously CEO Pacific, also announced in December his intention to retire and will leave the business at the end of this month.

“We are currently looking to fill the new operational position of Regional Manager, Pacific,” a QBE spokesman said.

The group last year included its Pacific and India operations in its new Australia Pacific division, led by CEO Vivek Bhatia, following the decision to carve up its old Asia-Pacific division.

The New Zealand & Pacific region falls under Mr Bhatia’s broader Australia Pacific division.