QBE Insurance is aligning its technology and transformation teams under one business unit within its Australian and New Zealand Operations (ANZO).
As part of the transition, a new COO will have end to end responsibilities for the technology and business transformation.
Steve Raynor will act as the interim COO while the insurer carries out an internal and external search for the expanded role.
The company will also appoint a new chief information officer (CIO) which will combine technology, data, transformation and business operations.
As a result, current CIO Tony Forward has resigned from his role. Val Matthews has been appointed in an acting capacity while an internal and external recruitment process is conducted for the redefined role.
QBE has also constructed a new strategy team to bolster and simplify the business. The new team will report into the CFO Inder Singh.
Furthermore, New Zealand will be repositioned as a separate business unit. Bill Donavan, general manager of New Zealand will report to Singh.
CEO Vivek Bhatia said the move brought ANZO in line with other operating divisions in the group.
Bhatia remarked: “Given technology’s intrinsic role in delivering on our business transformation, it also makes sense to have these functions aligned under the one business unit to drive greater focus and efficiencies”.
He added: “Tony was instrumental in modernising our core policy and claims systems with the launch of Guidewire. He was also a sponsor and ally of the QBE Pride Committee, making QBE a more inclusive place to work. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours”.
“Late last year, the team developed our short-term priorities and is working hard on implementing that and transforming QBE. We’ve already made great progress on the Insurtech front, with the establishment of QBE Ventures globally, while locally, we’re a founding partner of Insurtech Australia and recently joined Stone and Chalk’s inaugural Insurtech Program, working with start-ups to solve specific customer needs.
“The General Manager, Strategy role will help drive that agenda in this market, as well as align with global counterparts to ensure we leverage our global footprint and expertise.”
