Top Zurich executive moves to IAG in newly created leadership role

Australian insurer  IAG has hired Zurich’s chief executive officer (CEO) of general insurance Australia & New Zealand in a newly created role of chief insurance and strategy officer.

IAG said Tim Plant (pictured) is expected to join the company before the end of this year.

In his new role, Plant will be accountable for group governance across underwriting, claims and customer experience, together with developing and driving the implementation of IAG’s strategy. The role will also be responsible for IAG’s innovation and ventures activities.

Plant has 30 years’ experience in the general insurance industry, joining IAG from Zurich where he spent three years as CEO of general insurance Australia and New Zealand. In this role, he was accountable for developing and driving its general insurance strategy and sustainable business growth, supported by strong risk management and governance.

Prior to Zurich, he was group executive insurance for icare with responsibility for the largest public sector self-insurer in Australia. He joined icare from QBE where he spent seven years between 2009 and 2016 in several senior roles including managing director Elders Insurance, executive general manager corporate partners and speciality, and as CEO Australian and New Zealand operations. He has also held roles at Swiss Re and Australian Eagle Insurance.

Plant is also president and a non-executive director of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF).

“Tim brings a considerable depth of underwriting and insurance experience, as well as a deep understanding of customer needs through his leadership roles in the Australian and New Zealand general insurance markets. Tim’s experience will further bolster IAG’s leadership and I look forward to welcoming Tim to the team,” said IAG managing director and CEO Nick Hawkins.

Plant commented: “I’ve worked in insurance and reinsurance for around 30 years’, and I was really excited by the opportunity to join IAG. I believe the dedication IAG has to its purpose – we make your world a safer place – and its great customer relationships, provide an enormous opportunity for it to grow across its three divisions – Direct Insurance Australia (DIA), Intermediated Insurance Australia (IIA) and New Zealand.

“I’m looking forward to joining Nick and the leadership team in driving the strategy they have put in place to create a stronger, more resilient IAG, which will help us provide the best possible experiences for people and businesses across Australia and New Zealand.”

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