Suncorp Group has reshuffled its executive leadership team with a series of senior appointments as the Australian insurer moves to advance its platform modernisation and digital transformation strategy.
The company has appointed Bridget Messer, currently chief risk officer, to the newly created role of chief executive, customer, brand and digital.
Suncorp said the new division is intended to strengthen its customer and digital capabilities, including the use of artificial intelligence to improve the distribution of insurance products and services.
Lisa Harrison, currently chief executive of consumer insurance, has been appointed chief executive of commercial and personal injury. She will also retain responsibility for the rollout of Suncorp’s digital insurer program.
Michael Miller will move from chief executive of commercial and personal injury to become chief executive of consumer insurance.
As part of the leadership changes, Michelle Bain, currently executive general manager of compulsory third-party insurance, will join Suncorp’s executive leadership team as chief risk officer.
Bain has held several senior roles across the group, including acting group general counsel, executive general manager for compliance, and group customer advocate.
The appointments took effect on 17 August.
Suncorp chief executive Steve Johnston said the changes prepare the company for the next phase of its strategy, with a greater focus on using its technology investments to deliver more personalised customer experiences, expand digital self-service capabilities, and use AI to scale customer and claims processes.
The management reshuffle comes amid reports that Tokio Marine is in talks to acquire the Australian insurer in a potential deal valued at A$20bn (US$14.3bn).
Suncorp has operated as a pure-play insurer since 2024, after completing the A$4.9bn sale of its banking business to ANZ.
For FY2025, the insurer reported gross written premiums of A$15.41bn, up 2.7% year on year, despite exceeding its annual natural hazard allowance by A$254m. Net profit after tax was A$1.03bn, while cash earnings came in at A$1.04bn.
