Insurance company loses CEO

Paul Smeaton

Paul Smeaton is leaving the group to take up a newly created role as chief operating officer – insurance in Brisbane as part of a wider set of executive changes.

Suncorp New Zealand’s chief financial officer Jimmy Higgins will step in as acting chief executive of Suncorp New Zealand while the business undertakes an internal and external recruitment process.

Smeaton’s new role takes effect on July 20 and will have accountability for claims management, operations and projects for Insurance Australia as well as procurement and real estate across the wider group.

He said he was proud of the part Suncorp New Zealand played in the overall performance of the Suncorp Group and acknowledged the New Zealand team’s support and hard work during his tenure.