Suncorp insurance executive Robert Whelan is the new CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA).

He is currently employed as Suncorp Executive Manager, Policy and Projects, Personal Lines Insurance.

Mr Whelan takes on his new job on March 22, replacing Kerrie Kelly, who has relocated to London to become Director-General of the Association of British Insurers.

ICA President Terry Towell says Mr Whelan will “bring a wealth of experience to the role of CEO at the Insurance Council and will drive the organisation forward as an effective advocate for the general insurance industry and consumers of general insurance products”.

In a statement released by ICA, Mr Whelan says the strength of the local insurance industry leaves it well placed to react to challenges posed by extreme weather, population growth, changes to infrastructure, tax reform and government regulation.