Suncorp’s CEO Insurance Anthony Day has been appointed President and board Chairman of the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA).

As reported in a Breaking News bulletin on Friday, Hollard Australia CEO Richard Enthoven has been appointed Deputy President and QBE Group CFO and Australia and New Zealand CEO Pat Regan was made a director.

The appointments were made at a special board meeting after former president Colin Fagen left last month following his departure from QBE.

Allianz Australia MD Niran Peiris, who was previously deputy president and was made acting president after Mr Fagen’s departure, stepped down because he is relocating to Germany to take up a position on Allianz’s global board. He remains an ICA director.

Mr Day, who has been a director of the ICA board since February last year, says he is delighted to be given the role “at a time when the industry is under increased political and regulatory scrutiny”.

“The industry plays a critical role in both the Australian economy and our society,” he said. “I’m committed to being a strong advocate for the industry as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

ICA CEO Rob Whelan says Mr Day and Mr Enthoven bring “strong industry experience” to their two-year terms.

“Anthony and Richard represent companies with diversified insurance portfolios and different business models,” he said.

“Their industry expertise, and their keen interest in influencing how the general insurance industry adjusts and responds to Australia’s rapidly changing political landscape and financial services sector, will be put to great use in these key positions.”