TAL has appointed Duncan Boyle as its Chairman, effective from today.

He replaces Rob Thomas, who has retired after serving as chairman since 2007, when the life insurer was called Tower Australia.

Mr Boyle joined the board in May, having previously served as CEO of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance’s British operations.

He has more than 30 years’ industry experience in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

Mr Boyle lives in Australia and has been an independent director of QBE since 2006. His other directorships include lawyers Clayton Utz and Stockland Trust Group.