Suncorp appoints Higgins as permanent New Zealand CEO

Australian insurer Suncorp Group has appointed Jimmy Higgins as chief executive officer (CEO) of its New Zealand business.

Since joining Suncorp in 2008, Higgins has held a range of senior and executive roles across the Australian and New Zealand insurance businesses.

Prior to being appointed acting CEO of Suncorp New Zealand in July 2020, he held roles in the New Zealand business as CFO and executive general manager, Claims.

Steve Johnston, chief executive of Suncorp, said: “Jimmy has been a valuable member of Suncorp’s leadership team for many years and has made a strong contribution to the operational and financial strength of our New Zealand business. He has held a number of roles in our insurance businesses in Australia and New Zealand and has been instrumental in leading the Group’s response to some of the worst natural hazard events in our history, including the Christchurch earthquakes and 2011 Queensland floods.

“I’m delighted to have Jimmy permanently join Suncorp’s executive leadership team. I’m confident his extensive insurance experience, leadership capabilities and established relationships with the external market position him well to build on the strong momentum in our New Zealand business.”

Higgins commented: “We are a strong and respected brand in New Zealand and our business has gone from strength to strength in recent years. I’m excited to be leading the team into its next phase of growth as we continue to deliver more for our customers and broker partners.”